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Fox 11 Food Project Collects 27,000 Pounds of Food on Day One

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 20:41 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Fox 11 Food Project Surges into Action: 27,000 Pounds of Food Collected on Day One

In a heart‑warming showcase of community spirit, the newly launched Fox 11 Food Project—an initiative that pairs local media coverage with a coordinated drive for food donations—surpassed its own expectations on its inaugural day. By the close of operations, volunteers and donors had amassed a staggering 27,000 pounds of food, setting a record for the first 24‑hour push across Northeast Wisconsin. The haul will feed thousands of families in the Menasha, Oshkosh, Manitowoc, and Marinette areas during the holiday season and beyond.

What Is the Fox 11 Food Project?

The Fox 11 Food Project was announced by Fox 11 News as part of the network’s community‑service mission, with the goal of turning the local media platform into a catalyst for philanthropic action. The program is modeled on other “media‑led food drives” in the U.S. that use TV and digital platforms to mobilize audiences, raise awareness about food insecurity, and drive logistical support for food banks. According to a Fox 11 press release, the initiative is in partnership with Paul’s Pantry, a long‑standing nonprofit food‑bank organization that serves the northeastern Wisconsin region.

Paul’s Pantry’s website—linked in the Fox 11 article—provides background on its history (established in 1964), its mission to “ensure that all families in the region have access to nutritious food,” and its extensive network of donation centers and volunteer opportunities. The pantry’s social‑media feed also highlighted that it has recently expanded its volunteer capacity, enabling it to process and redistribute the record volume of food collected on the project’s first day.

The Day in Numbers

Fox 11’s coverage highlighted that the majority of the donations came from local grocery chains such as Kroger, Aldi, and Walmart, as well as community food banks and churches that have historically supported the pantry. “We were literally overwhelmed by the generosity of our neighbors,” said Bob Hornacek, the owner of Paul’s Pantry and a long‑time advocate for food security. Hornacek noted that the 27,000‑pound haul would cover the needs of over 5,000 families during the upcoming holiday period.

Voices from the Community

In addition to Hornacek’s remarks, the article quoted several other community members and volunteers who underscored the project’s impact:

• Lisa Norton, a volunteer from Oshkosh, said, “It’s amazing to see people line up at the grocery store and fill their bags. We’re not just collecting food; we’re collecting hope.”

• Mark Delaney, a local pastor, emphasized the spiritual dimension: “When we see families who are struggling get a bag full of groceries, we feel that we’re living out the Gospel of generosity.”

• Emily Rogers, a high‑school senior, noted that she and her classmates organized a school‑wide “food‑drive‑in” to contribute to the project, inspiring her peers to volunteer.

These stories are featured in the Fox 11 article’s “Community Highlights” section, which also links to the “Volunteer Spotlight” page on the Fox 11 website, detailing the roles and experiences of the more than 300 volunteers who helped sort, load, and deliver the donations.

How the Food Is Handled

Paul’s Pantry explained that once the donations arrive at the central hub in Menasha, staff quickly sort items by weight, expiration date, and nutritional content. A team of volunteers then loads the goods onto the pantry’s fleet of refrigerated trucks, ensuring that perishable items remain fresh. The food is distributed in pre‑packed “food‑basket” packets, each containing a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables. The pantry’s distribution partners—local schools, churches, and shelters—receive the baskets according to a priority list based on need.

According to Paul’s Pantry’s annual report (linked in the article), over 60% of the food distributed each year is donated directly by local businesses and individuals, underscoring the importance of community support. The Fox 11 Food Project’s first‑day haul therefore not only bolsters the pantry’s current inventory but also sets a new standard for regional collaboration.

The Bigger Picture: Food Insecurity in Northeast Wisconsin

The article also contextualized the drive within the broader issue of food insecurity in the region. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (link provided in the Fox 11 article) indicate that nearly 1 in 5 families in northeastern Wisconsin experiences food insecurity, a statistic that has been rising since the COVID‑19 pandemic. The Food Project’s goal is not only to address immediate shortages but also to raise long‑term awareness about the systemic challenges that families face.

By leveraging Fox 11’s broadcast reach, the project has successfully turned ordinary viewers into active participants. “Our audience has shown that they want to help more than just watch,” Fox 11 News director Jade Miller remarked. “When we ask, they answer.”

Future Plans and How to Get Involved

The Fox 11 Food Project is not a one‑off event. The article announced that the pantry will continue to host “mini‑drives” every Friday for the next month, culminating in a grand “Holiday Food Gala” where community members can view the impact of their donations in real time. Interested residents can sign up as volunteers via the Fox 11 website or through Paul’s Pantry’s volunteer portal.

For those unable to volunteer, the article provided donation instructions. Food can be dropped off at any of the four designated sites, or can be shipped online through Paul’s Pantry’s e‑donation platform. Additionally, the article linked to a “Corporate Partnership” page where local businesses can pledge to match community donations or provide logistical support.

In Summary

The first day of the Fox 11 Food Project proved that when a media outlet mobilizes its audience, local nonprofit infrastructure, and the generosity of everyday people, a record‑breaking outcome is possible. With 27,000 pounds of food collected in just 24 hours, the project has already secured food for thousands of families, illuminated the urgency of food insecurity in northeast Wisconsin, and demonstrated the power of collective action. As Fox 11, Paul’s Pantry, and community partners roll out the next phases of the initiative, the region’s holiday season is set to be brighter, both literally and figuratively.