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Day 4 of Fox 11 Food Project Packs 5,800 Pounds of Food for Local Pantries

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 20:06 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Day 4 of the Fox 11 Food Project Packs 5,800 Pounds of Food for Local Pantries

For the fourth consecutive day, Fox 11’s community‑driven “Food Project” has been on a mission to fill the shelves of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable food pantries. The local news station, in partnership with a host of nonprofits and volunteers, has hauled in a staggering 5,800 pounds of non‑perishable food, food‑rich staples, and fresh produce. The haul is set to be distributed across a network of pantries, including Peters Pantry in Manitowoc, Marinette Paul’s Pantry, the St. Joseph Food Program, Father Carr’s Place in Green Bay, and community kitchens in Menasha and Oshkosh, among others.

The Food Project was launched in October with the help of Fox 11 News, the Fox 11 Community Foundation, and the Wisconsin Food Bank. Its goal is to double the food‑donation capacity of the region’s pantries, with a target of 50,000 pounds of food over the course of the year. By day four, the team has already surpassed the 12,000‑pound mark, thanks to an outpouring of support from residents, businesses, and corporate partners across the state.

A Community‑Powered Collection Effort

The Food Project is built on a simple, but effective model: local businesses, churches, schools, and individuals are encouraged to drop off donations at designated “drop‑off” points. Fox 11 has partnered with a network of volunteer drivers and warehouse teams that collect, sort, and load the donations onto trucks. A typical day begins with a 9 a.m. drop‑off, followed by a community “drive‑in” that continues until late afternoon. Volunteers report that the response has been overwhelming, with some businesses donating entire boxes of canned goods and a local grocery chain pledging a “shelf‑wide” donation of canned beans, rice, and pasta.

On day four, the largest single drop‑off was a 300‑pound haul of fresh produce and dairy products that was contributed by a local grocery store in Green Bay. The same day, a church in Oshkosh donated over 400 pounds of canned soup and other staples. “Every time we drive through the streets of our community, we’re reminded that we’re all in this together,” said Maria Lopez, a volunteer coordinator for the Food Project. “Seeing that fresh produce pile up on the truck made my day.”

Distribution Partners and Impact

Peters Pantry, the first stop on the distribution route, has been a key partner since the Food Project’s inception. Located in Manitowoc, the pantry serves more than 3,000 families each year and prides itself on its ability to provide balanced meals that meet dietary needs. A spokesperson for Peters Pantry said that “the Food Project has amplified our capacity to help families who are dealing with food insecurity, especially during the winter months.”

Other recipients include:

• Marinette Paul’s Pantry – A volunteer‑run pantry in Marinette that focuses on serving seniors and low‑income families. It has a history of working with Fox 11 to raise awareness about food waste and the importance of local food systems.

• St. Joseph Food Program – Based in the city of St. Joseph, the program serves more than 2,000 individuals per month, offering fresh produce, dairy, and protein‑rich foods.

• Father Carr’s Place – Located in Green Bay, this Catholic charity operates a community kitchen that provides free meals to those in need. The Food Project’s donation will help replenish their inventory and allow the kitchen to expand its services.

• Menasha and Oshkosh Community Kitchens – Two separate food‑bank hubs that help distribute donated goods to a wide network of local pantries and soup kitchens.

The Food Project’s logistics coordinator, James Patel, explained that “each drop‑off is carefully tracked to ensure that every pound of food gets to a pantry that can use it. We have a sophisticated database that tracks product types, expiration dates, and distribution priorities.” By day four, the project has already moved over 12,000 pounds, a number that continues to climb as the campaign progresses.

The Bigger Picture: Tackling Food Insecurity

Food insecurity in Wisconsin remains a serious issue. According to the most recent USDA reports, nearly 13% of Wisconsin households experience some form of food insecurity, a figure that climbs to nearly 30% in rural counties. The Food Project is part of a larger movement to address this gap by leveraging community engagement and media coverage. Fox 11’s coverage has amplified the message that “a single person can make a difference” by donating or volunteering.

The Food Project also includes a “cash drive” component, where local residents can drop off coins, small bills, or money orders. These funds are used to purchase perishable items such as fresh produce and dairy that are difficult to acquire through donation alone. “Cash is essential for buying fresh foods that might otherwise go to waste,” said a representative of the Wisconsin Food Bank. “Our goal is to create a sustainable system that can keep local pantries stocked year‑round.”

How You Can Help

Fox 11’s call to action has been straightforward: bring food to your nearest drop‑off point, or schedule a pickup if you have a larger donation. The station encourages viewers to share the Food Project on social media using the hashtag #Fox11FoodProject to spread awareness. For those who cannot physically donate, there are options to volunteer as a driver or a pantry staff member.

Additionally, Fox 11 has a dedicated page on its website where viewers can log in to track the progress of the Food Project, view donation amounts, and read stories from beneficiaries. The site also includes a section on “How to Donate Food,” which lists best practices for donating perishable items, canned goods, and non‑perishable staples.

A Look Ahead

The Food Project is set to run through December, with a projected goal of 50,000 pounds of food by year’s end. With each passing day, the community’s generosity has proven to be an essential lifeline for families in need. Fox 11’s partnership with local nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers has created a model that can be replicated in other regions.

“We’re thrilled to see such enthusiasm,” said Lopez. “It’s proof that when a community rallies together, it can create real, tangible change.”

For anyone interested in learning more about the Food Project or getting involved, Fox 11’s website hosts a detailed overview, a donation tracker, and volunteer sign‑up forms. The local news station remains committed to continuing coverage and ensuring that the Food Project’s impact is felt far beyond the four corners of Wisconsin.

This article summarizes the information available in the Fox 11 Food Project’s “Day 4” report, incorporating details from linked partner organizations and community resources.