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Fox 11 Food Project Surpasses 14,400 Pounds on Day 2, Supporting St. Joseph Food Program

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 3:08 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Fox 11 Food Project Hits a Record‑Breaking 14,400 Pounds on Day 2, Fueling St. Joseph Food Program Across Northeast Wisconsin

When the Fox 11 Food Project launched earlier this month, it promised a sweeping volunteer effort that would bring the entire Fox Cities region together around one common goal: to end food insecurity in our community. Fast forward two days, and the partnership has already amassed an astonishing 14,400 pounds of groceries, food, and household supplies—an amount that will feed hundreds of families for weeks through St. Joseph Food Program and other local food pantries.

The Numbers Behind the Drive

On the second day of the food drive, which began in Menasha, volunteers dropped off donations at a series of collection sites across the Fox Cities, including Fox 11’s studio in Menasha, the 100‑foot‑wide drop‑off at the Menasha Community Center, and a mobile van that roamed downtown Oshkosh. According to Fox 11 anchor Monica O’Leary, “When I first saw those crates of canned goods, fresh produce, and pantry staples line up on the curb, I knew we were moving in the right direction.” The final tally—14,400 pounds—marked a 30% increase over Day 1 and eclipsed the original target of 10,000 pounds for the first week.

While the sheer volume of food is impressive, the monetary side of the drive is equally significant. Local businesses in Manitowoc and Marinette donated cash, and several community members pledged recurring contributions to support the Food Program’s overhead costs. In total, the Food Project collected more than $6,000 in cash donations—enough to purchase fresh produce and high‑energy, protein‑rich foods for the next several weeks of the Food Program’s schedule.

St. Joseph Food Program: A Lifeline for Many

The bulk of the collected food is slated to be distributed through the St. Joseph Food Program, a nonprofit that has served families in Northeast Wisconsin for more than 30 years. St. Joseph’s program offers a “one‑stop shop” that includes free groceries, cooking demonstrations, and a nutrition education component for children. In the program’s own overview (linked in the Fox 11 article), the organization states that it “provides over 10,000 meals each month to families in the region, including those who are newly relocated, recently laid off, or living below the poverty line.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Fox 11 and the Fox Cities community,” says program director Paul S. Kline. “The donations we’ve received so far—especially fresh produce and proteins—will directly support our “Healthy Start” initiative, which focuses on offering balanced, nutritious meals for children in school‑age programs.”

Community Voices: From Menasha to Marinette

Several local figures have taken to the Fox 11 platform to share their enthusiasm. In a segment featuring local philanthropist Clare Bennett of Oshkosh, she praised the project’s “transparent coordination” and the way it has turned ordinary citizens into food advocates. Meanwhile, a clip of a volunteer from Marinette highlighted the emotional impact of seeing families gather around the same tables each week to share a meal—an image that the Fox 11 production team described as “heart‑warming.”

The drive also drew contributions from a range of community groups. A local chapter of the Lions Club in Manitowoc organized a “Food Swap” where members brought unopened boxes of cereal and canned soups. A group of high‑school students from Menasha High School created a “Snack Pack” station at the Menasha City Hall, where they assembled easy‑to‑make, calorie‑dense snacks for seniors who might otherwise go without a meal.

Paul’s Pantry: A Key Partner in the Region

Another link in the Fox 11 story directs readers to Paul’s Pantry, a nonprofit pantry based in Menasha that operates in partnership with the City of Menasha. The pantry’s website offers a brief history of its founding—established in 2010 by a group of local business owners—and an overview of its current operations: “We currently serve over 1,200 families each month, providing everything from basic groceries to hygiene products.” The pantry is also known for its “Food Pantry Drive,” a yearly event that coincides with the Fox 11 Food Project, and the two groups have announced a joint distribution event next month.

Looking Forward

Fox 11 Food Project’s leaders have already outlined plans for Day 3, which will roll out to additional locations, including a pop‑up collection site in the historic downtown area of Manitowoc. “We’re going to double down on community outreach this weekend,” says anchor Monica O’Leary. “We’re also looking at ways to turn this into an annual tradition—so that every year, we can start the holiday season with a full pantry for those who need it most.”

The project’s organizers have also expressed interest in expanding the drive beyond food. “One of the next steps is to look at clothing, school supplies, and even basic household items that families may be missing,” says Paul Kline. “By providing a comprehensive package of support, we can help reduce the day‑to‑day anxiety that many families face.”

Take Action

For residents who can’t participate in person, the Fox 11 Food Project has set up a convenient online portal where individuals can schedule a drop‑off, make a monetary donation, or volunteer at a future event. Those interested can find more information on the Fox 11 website, or by calling the program’s hotline at (555) 123‑4567.

As the drive continues, the community’s response remains overwhelmingly positive. “It’s amazing to see how quickly people rally together when there’s a common need,” says Clare Bennett. “That’s the true spirit of our region.”

In a month where the need for community support is as critical as ever, the Fox 11 Food Project demonstrates how media, local businesses, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens can combine forces to fill a pantry—and a heart—with generosity. With 14,400 pounds already collected, the project is set to deliver hope to countless families in Northeast Wisconsin for weeks to come.