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Fox 11 Food Project Celebrates Record-Setting Community Support Across Northeast Wisconsin

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 21:38 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Fox 11 Food Project Celebrates Record‑Setting Community Support Across Northeast Wisconsin

In an unprecedented display of generosity, the Fox 11 Food Project—an initiative launched by Fox 11 News to tackle food insecurity in northeastern Wisconsin—has received more than 9,400 pounds of donated food from the city of Oshkosh, alongside a wave of cash and in‑kind contributions from the region’s top charities, businesses, and residents. The collective effort, announced this week on Fox 11’s “Fox 11 Food Project” segment, underscores the power of local cooperation in meeting the growing need for emergency nutrition.

Oshkosh’s 9,400‑Pound Donation to Father Carr’s Place 2B

The city’s largest contribution came in the form of a truckload of non‑perishable groceries that Oshkosh’s municipal fleet delivered to Father Carr’s Place 2B, a Catholic charity that operates a food pantry and shelter for families of all faiths. City officials say the haul includes canned vegetables, pasta, rice, canned meats, and a selection of ready‑to‑eat meals.

“I’m proud of our community for stepping up in a tangible way,” said Oshkosh Mayor, Mary‑Anne O’Connor, during the hand‑off ceremony. “We’re delivering 9,400 pounds of groceries to families who might otherwise go to bed hungry. It’s a reminder that when we work together, we can bridge the gap.”

Father Carr’s Place staff estimate that the delivery will provide more than 3,000 meals over the next month. The organization’s Executive Director, Reverend James Gallagher, emphasized that the food will help families keep their children off the stove and in school—a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Cash Raises for the Food Bank and the Community

The news team also covered a “Give Thanks” fundraising drive that took place across the region, raising an additional $15,000 in cash donations for the local food banks. Representatives from the North‑East Wisconsin Food Bank announced that the money will be directed toward expanding the “Ready‑to‑Cook” meal kits program, which has served over 20,000 families in the past year.

“It’s incredible to see local businesses, churches, and individuals stepping up,” said Thomas Kerns, Director of Development at the North‑East Wisconsin Food Bank. “Every dollar goes toward the front line of our food assistance programs—providing the staples families need to eat well and stay healthy.”

In addition to the cash, several businesses contributed “in‑kind” items such as bottled water, fresh produce, and household essentials, further diversifying the aid offered to food‑insecure households.

Jim Boehm’s Turkey Donation

In a heartwarming segment, Fox 11 highlighted Jim Boehm, a longtime Oshkosh resident, who donated a dozen free‑range turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday. Boehm, who has served on the board of the Oshkosh Food Bank for over a decade, explained that the turkeys will feed more than 200 individuals and families.

“I want people to know that a holiday meal can be a gift,” Boehm said. “When we give a turkey, we’re giving hope—hope that we’re part of a community that cares.”

The turkeys, collected from a local farmer, were dispatched to the Oshkosh Food Bank, where volunteers will prepare them for distribution at the community’s Thanksgiving Food Fest on November 23.

Additional Regional Contributions

While the Oshkosh donation captured the headlines, the article also highlighted a network of other regional food assistance agencies that received fresh supplies and cash during the week’s fundraising events:

Reverend Gallagher noted that these contributions “are the glue that holds our entire region together.” Each pantry’s director spoke at the broadcast, emphasizing how the combined impact of these donations will sustain families well beyond the Thanksgiving season.

Community Voices: Stories of Hope

Fox 11’s segment didn’t stop at statistics. It featured voices from those who benefit from the program, including a young mother from Oshkosh who shared how the food pantry allowed her to keep her children home from school during a period of job loss. A senior citizen in Green Bay recounted how the “Ready‑to‑Cook” kits have become a staple of his weekly routine.

“Food security is more than just a grocery list—it’s about dignity,” said Linda Morales, a volunteer at the St. Joseph Food Program. “When families know they can rely on a community resource, they can focus on healing and growth.”

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

As the Fox 11 Food Project closes the chapter on its latest community‑drive, the local media team calls on viewers to stay involved. Volunteers are needed for food drives, donation pickups, and the preparation of Thanksgiving meals. Upcoming events include a “Holiday Food Fair” in Oshkosh on December 5 and a “Winter Warm‑Up” fundraiser in Green Bay on December 12.

“We’re at a turning point,” Mayor O’Connor said in her closing remarks. “The generosity we see right now can be a blueprint for how we address other social needs—housing, healthcare, education. But it all starts with what we do together today.”

Fox 11’s coverage of the Food Project underscores a simple truth: when a city, a church, and a community rally around the same cause, the difference can be felt across an entire region. With the combined power of 9,400 pounds of food, $15,000 in cash, and countless hours of volunteer time, northeast Wisconsin is moving closer to a future where no family goes hungry.