Fox 11 Food Project Day 2 Amasses Record 14,400 Pounds of Food for Northeast Wisconsin

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 20:54 GMT by Fox 11 News

Fox 11 Food Project’s Day 2 Drives a Record 14,400 Pounds of Food to St. Joseph Food Program – A Community‑Wide Effort Across Northeast Wisconsin

On the second day of the Fox 11 Food Project—a month‑long community partnership that started in March and is designed to “close the gap between food‑banks and people who need help” – volunteers and donors in Menasha, Oshkosh, Manitowoc, Marinette, and the surrounding Fox Cities collectively turned in a staggering 14,400 pounds of non‑perishable food for the St. Joseph Food Program. The haul included fresh produce, canned goods, dry staples, and household essentials, all destined for the food‑bank network that serves families across Northeast Wisconsin.

The event is part of a larger, coordinated “food‑drive” initiative that has already collected more than $1.5 million in monetary donations and over 50,000 pounds of food across the region. According to the article, the Fox 11 Food Project was launched in partnership with the St. Joseph Food Program, which has served the community for decades by delivering grocery bags to families in need and providing nutritional education.

How the Drive Works

• Drop‑off Locations – Volunteers can bring donations to designated drop‑off sites, including the Fox 11 News Studio in Menasha, a community center in Oshkosh, a warehouse in Manitowoc, and the Marinette County Food Bank.
• Pickup Services – For those unable to travel, the project offers free pickup at participating sites, coordinated by local volunteers and the St. Joseph Food Program’s logistics team.
• Digital Donations – In addition to in‑person giving, the project has a online portal (linked in the article) where donors can purchase “food bank gift cards” that the program can redeem for specific items.

The article explains that the second day was especially busy due to a new partnership with Pauls Pantry—a local nonprofit that has been delivering groceries to seniors and low‑income households. Pauls Pantry’s involvement expanded the geographic reach of the drive to include the Fox Cities and nearby towns that had limited access to food‑bank services.

The Numbers in Context

The article stresses that the 14,400 pounds of food collected on Day 2 alone represents a significant jump from the 6,800 pounds gathered the previous day, largely thanks to a surge in community engagement after the local television station ran a short, emotional segment highlighting the needs of low‑income families during the holiday season.

Community Voices

The article includes several quotes that underscore the collaborative spirit of the drive:

“Seeing families line up at our drop‑off point was a reminder of why we do this,” said Monica Ramirez, a volunteer coordinator from the Fox 11 News Studio. “When we see a box of food from a community member, it’s a small act that can transform a whole week for a family.”

“Our partnership with Fox 11 has helped us reach donors who otherwise might not have known about our program,” said Claire Jensen, executive director of the St. Joseph Food Program. “The 14,400 pounds we received this day will feed approximately 9,000 families over the next month.”

“Thanks to the generous contributions from Menasha, Oshkosh, and Marinette, we can ensure that no child in our region goes hungry during this critical time of year,” added Peter O’Shea, director of Pauls Pantry.

These testimonials illustrate the depth of local involvement, from small businesses that donated bulk items to school districts that mobilized students for a school‑wide “food‑drive day.”

What Happens Next

Once collected, the food is sorted by type, age, and weight at the St. Joseph Food Program’s central facility. Items that are still suitable for distribution are placed into grocery bags, while items that are no longer edible or needed are safely recycled or donated to animal shelters. The program uses a “just‑in‑time” distribution model: families can order a grocery bag online, schedule a pick‑up time, and receive the bag at their doorstep or a local community center.

The article links to a video segment that follows a family in Manitowoc as they receive their grocery bag, showcasing how the program’s “one‑stop” approach reduces transportation barriers and ensures that the food reaches its destination quickly and efficiently.

How You Can Help

• Donate Food – Bring non‑perishable items to any of the drop‑off sites mentioned above.
• Make a Monetary Donation – Visit the St. Joseph Food Program’s website or the Fox 11 Food Project’s donation page to contribute.
• Volunteer – Sign up as a volunteer for the next phase of the food‑drive, which will focus on the holiday season and Thanksgiving.
• Spread the Word – Share the article and the donation links on social media to expand the reach of this critical community service.

The article’s closing paragraph emphasizes that the success of the Fox 11 Food Project relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and city officials across Northeast Wisconsin. By pooling resources, the region can reduce food insecurity and demonstrate the power of community action.

Bottom Line

Fox 11’s second day of the Food Project was a resounding triumph: 14,400 pounds of food, $1.2 million in monetary donations, and hundreds of volunteer hours contributed to a program that serves over 13,000 families. The partnership between Fox 11, St. Joseph Food Program, Pauls Pantry, and local municipalities illustrates how coordinated efforts can create a tangible, positive impact on food security in Northeast Wisconsin.