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Oshkosh's Record-Breaking 9,400-Pound Food Donation Feeds 1,200 Families

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 21:24 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Oshkosh and Northeast Wisconsin Rally Together to Feed Families During the Holiday Season

The Fox 11 Food Project has sparked a wave of generosity across the region, from Oshkosh’s 9,400‑pound food haul for Father Carr’s Place to turkey drives in Manitowoc, pantry support in Marinette, and a cash‑giving campaign in Green Bay, all culminating in a massive community‑wide effort that promises to keep many families fed this Thanksgiving.

Oshkosh’s Record‑Breaking Donation

City officials in Oshkosh announced that the municipality will be donating 9,400 pounds of food to Father Carr’s Place, a nonprofit that serves low‑income families in the city and surrounding areas. The donation, slated for delivery on November 21 – the day before Thanksgiving – will include a mix of canned goods, dry staples, fresh produce, and dairy products. According to Oshkosh Mayor John Davis, “This is our way of saying thank you to the people who have supported us all year. We know how hard it is for families to stretch a paycheck during the holidays, and we’re proud to help make sure no one in our community has to go hungry.”

Father Carr’s Place Executive Director Lisa Martinez added, “The volume of food we’re receiving from Oshkosh is unprecedented. It means we can serve more families, extend our meal‑prep hours, and provide extra holiday kits that include not just food but also warm clothing and holiday decorations.” The organization estimates that the 9,400‑pound shipment will feed over 1,200 people during the holiday week.

The Fox 11 Food Project: A Community‑Wide Initiative

The headline donation is just the tip of the iceberg. Fox 11’s Food Project – a multi‑channel partnership with local charities, businesses, and civic leaders – has been actively coordinating food drives and fundraising events across northeast Wisconsin. The network of supporters has already raised $45,000 in cash contributions and over 20,000 pounds of non‑perishable food since the project’s launch last fall.

“By bringing the community together behind a common goal, we’ve been able to amplify the impact of each individual donation,” says Fox 11 Food Project Coordinator Mark Riley. “We’re not just collecting food; we’re building a sustainable model that can respond quickly to emergencies and keep families secure every single season.”

Additional Local Drives That Got the Spotlight

While Oshkosh’s massive donation captured the headlines, several other communities have also stepped up, each sharing their own stories of generosity and cooperation.

Manitowoc: A Turkey‑Topping Holiday

In Manitowoc, a group of volunteers partnered with the city’s Food Bank of the Great Lakes to distribute over 1,200 turkeys to families in need. The effort was organized by local charity "Meals for All", and each turkey came with a gift card to a local grocery store, ensuring that recipients could purchase fresh produce and other essentials for the weeks that followed. “We want to give families the chance to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” says Manitowoc Food Bank Executive Tom Graham.

Marinette: Paul’s Pantry Expands

Marinette’s Paul’s Pantry, a community‑run food bank, opened an additional distribution point at the high school’s cafeteria to accommodate the surge in demand. Over 600 families received meals and grocery kits during the first weekend of the drive. Marinette City Clerk Nina Reynolds highlighted that “the support we’ve received from local businesses, especially the downtown grocery chain, has been transformative.”

Green Bay: Cash Donations Through Jim Boehm

Green Bay’s fundraising arm, spearheaded by philanthropist Jim Boehm, raised a record $12,000 in cash contributions. Boehm’s foundation, the Boehm Family Fund, has long supported food‑security initiatives across the region. “It’s a testament to the generosity of the people of Green Bay,” Boehm told reporters. “We’re glad to be able to help families that would otherwise have to sacrifice a holiday meal.”

Menasha: “Food for Thought” Program

In Menasha, the "Food for Thought" program—run by a local non‑profit—distributed 500 meal kits and organized a “Thanksgiving Cook‑Alongs” where volunteers helped prepare holiday meals for seniors in nursing homes. Menasha’s mayor Randy Keller praised the volunteers, stating, “These community members have gone above and beyond to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive for those who might otherwise be alone.”

The Impact: Numbers That Show the Power of Togetherness

According to the latest figures released by the Food Project:

• 9,400 pounds from Oshkosh
• 1,200 turkeys in Manitowoc
• 20,000 pounds of non‑perishables across all drives
• $57,000 in cash contributions (Oshkosh, Green Bay, and others)

Collectively, these efforts will directly serve over 3,000 families and provide more than 10,000 meals during the holiday season. The Food Project’s data team indicates that the number of families who rely on the food banks each month has dropped by 12% since the project’s inception—a clear sign that community‑driven solutions can make a measurable difference.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

Fox 11 Food Project Director Riley urges viewers to keep the momentum alive throughout the year. “The holiday season is just one of many times that families need a hand,” he says. “We’re now working on a summer food‑distribution program and a school‑meal partnership that will ensure that every child has nutritious food from breakfast through dinner.”

Community leaders across northeast Wisconsin have pledged to maintain the collaboration. City Hall in Oshkosh announced an upcoming town‑hall meeting to discuss a “Community Food Reserve”—a pooled inventory that could be mobilized quickly in the event of future crises, such as severe weather or economic downturns.

How Viewers Can Get Involved

Fox 11 encourages residents to:

1. Donate food—specifically non‑perishables—to their local food bank.
2. Volunteer—many organizations are short on staff during peak seasons.
3. Raise awareness—share the Food Project’s message on social media using #FoodProjectNW.
4. Contribute cash—especially to help expand the pantry network in smaller towns.

By participating, you help keep the tradition of Thanksgiving alive for thousands of families who might otherwise have to choose between a holiday meal and other necessities.

In a region that’s already seen an impressive rise in community‑driven philanthropy, the Fox 11 Food Project exemplifies how local media can act as a catalyst for meaningful change. Whether it’s Oshkosh’s massive donation, Manitowoc’s turkey drive, or Green Bay’s cash‑gathering initiative, the collective efforts of towns, nonprofits, and ordinary citizens demonstrate that when we come together, we can feed hope, one family at a time.