I have volunteered at the Food Pantry of Waukesha County for the last six months. The Food Pantry of Waukesha County has a well-earned reputation of being a highly ethical and effective organization, one that helps people through challenging times.
Executive Director Karen Tredwell is a respected leader in Southeast Wisconsin, who consistently and thoughtfully steers the organization. Clients are treated with respect. Volunteers’ time is well used and their work is appreciated.
Qualified clients may choose food once every two weeks. The Pantry offers multiple programs for people with specific food-related health conditions.
While serving clients, we hear of people financially devastated by medical conditions, jobs lost and other situations. We witness young people managing three-generation families on the most meager incomes. Over 40% of clients are children. Many others are seniors. The Pantry is their safety net. Many clients come less often than they are allowed, telling us to save the food for those who may be in greater need than theirs. Some volunteers are past clients, people who are grateful the Pantry was available when they struggled to feed their families. Now they are giving back.
Once a week I have the honor of working with 20+ other volunteers for two hours as we serve 70-95 people in one of seven shifts a week. I am one of approximately 150 volunteers who collect food, sort it, shelf it and distribute it. Last year volunteers worked the equivalent of 14 full time employees.
The Food Pantry of Waukesha County is one of the most efficient not-for-profit organizations I have seen. On a daily basis, it lives its mission.
Review from Guidestar
