I am a board member of the Saukville Community Food Pantry where I proudly serve with thoughtful and generous other members. Our pantry has incredible volunteers who are passionate our work and strive to go above and beyond to help those in our community: serving meals, assisting our “shoppers” with loading their goods, connecting them socially, and more! It’s an honor to serve alongside others at our amazing pantry!!
As a county resident for 32 years I was looking for a way to give back to my community in a way that would benefit those in need. I found the Saukville Food Pantry from an employee I worked with and joined as a volunteer 4 years ago, Most of us don't realize the need in our communities for sustainable food resources and the Saukville Food Pantry provides a wide array of opportunities for residents to obtain quality food through our Pantry, Mobile Pantry, Food Truck events and other community endeavor's. If your looking for a worthwhile way to give back and support our community then call or stop in and talk with Mark Gierach.
The food pantry is something I knew I could count on. Our family wasn't in need every month so we didn't qualify for other type benefits but when we were in need we were never turned turned down. As a mother of 5 I am thankful to always have that is my plan B if I couldn't put food on the table myself.
During one of my first experiences at the pantry, a volunteer I was working with bought in some new clothes that her family member did not need for a client who had a similar-aged child. The child came with that day and was thrilled to be able to pick out and take home some new and very fun outfits on top of the food. I remember being struck by the thoughtfulness of the act and loved that rapport had been built between the client and volunteer. On top of the food, the pantry is providing an ever-growing and reciprocal sense of community and support that is wonderful to be a part of.
We were able to help a young man yesterday who due to very reduced work hours, had been living on the street the day before. He had called the Pantry seeking food assistance, but we were able to do so much more! We were able to refer him to another county non-profit who was able to place him in a local motel that same evening. I met and assisted him the next day when he was visiting the Pantry for the first time. He quietly, and apologetically, explained he only had a refrigerator and a microwave at the motel. We helped him make his food choices based on these factors. We also provided him with some bowls and plastic utensils to assist. He was so polite, grateful, and surprised to be receiving a large box of much needed food. He was a pleasure to work with. At the end of shift, I learned that having walked to the Pantry, he now had a heavy box to carry and one of our volunteers gave him a ride back to the motel. The Pantry volunteers and staff did an incredible job assisting this young man during cold weather and difficult circumstances. ~Proud to be Pantry Volunteer
I found the pantry several years ago when seeking a volunteer opportunity for my Christian Formation class -- I was so impressed! Such nice people and such care to provide dignity to patrons! I started volunteering right away and helped patrons choose their own groceries on Thursday evenings. Eventually, I got more involved and began running the Community Meal, which is such a wonderful offering for food and fellowship. I joined the Board soon after and now serve as its President. I'm proud of the work we do in the community and always impressed by our community support. It's a great asset to Ozaukee County.
Saukville Community Food Pantry is a wonderful non-profit for Ozaukee County! I love how the pantry lets families come in and “shop” the pantry so they can select the foods that their family members like to eat. They have fresh produce, meat, bakery and dairy items in addition to the non perishable items. The organization also has great programs for helping local students like their weekend backpack program and back to school supply program. Their volunteers are super friendly and helpful and enjoy being part of the pantry. The Executive Director works very hard at making this panty a growing nonprofit in Ozaukee County!