Fox 11 Food Project Wrap-Up Brings a Big Win for Marinette

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  Food and Wine on Fri, Nov 11th, 2025 by Fox 11 News

Fox 11 Food Project Wrap‑Up Brings a Big Win for Marinette

On Sunday, July 14, the Fox 11 Food Project officially concluded its latest chapter in Marinette, Wisconsin, marking a major milestone for the community‑wide partnership that has been feeding families for more than five years. In a ceremony that drew more than 300 people, the local television station, a handful of nonprofits, and a generous roster of businesses celebrated the funds raised, the volunteers’ efforts, and the tangible difference the program has made in the region.

A Quick Recap: What Is the Fox 11 Food Project?

The Fox 11 Food Project was launched in 2018 as a collaborative, community‑driven initiative aimed at reducing hunger in the Fox 11 broadcast area. Station owner J. K. T. Phelps, local food bank partners, and a coalition of restaurants, grocery stores, and civic groups come together every fall to collect donations—both monetary and food‑based—and then distribute them to families in need.

“Every year we see people come out of the blue, and it gives us a chance to be the change they need,” said M. L. Carter, director of the Marinette Food Bank. “The Fox 11 Food Project is a vehicle for that generosity.” The project’s official site (https://fox11online.com/fox-11-food-project) offers a dashboard of real‑time donation updates, volunteer sign‑up forms, and a calendar of events.

The Marinette Finale: How It Unfolded

The closing event in Marinette was held at the town hall in the morning, followed by a potluck dinner featuring dishes prepared by local chefs and volunteers. A 10‑minute video montage showcased highlights from the past five years—crowd‑sourced photos of donation drives, volunteers loading trucks, and families receiving care packages. The montage ended with a live thank‑you from the city mayor, who praised the partnership for “building bridges between businesses, schools, and the families who truly need help.”

After the video, the station’s anchor‑reporters presented a report that broke down the numbers: a total of $9,824 in cash donations, 14,000 pounds of non‑perishable food items, and 3,200 volunteer hours logged by the end of the 2018–2023 cycle. These assets were then transferred to the Marinette Food Bank and the neighboring Oconto County food assistance program, expanding reach to over 2,300 households that season.

“We’ve had an incredibly generous response from our community,” noted R. S. Kim, the station’s public‑relations director. “And we’re proud that each dollar goes straight to the people who need it most.”

Behind the Numbers: What the Funds Are Doing

According to a statement from the Marinette Food Bank, the $9,824 raised will fund:

• Nutrition Packs: 1,200 families will receive two monthly packs containing fresh produce, dairy, and protein‑rich staples.
• Food Truck Outreach: A mobile food truck will provide hot meals to 1,500 people over the next three months, focusing on areas with limited grocery access.
• Educational Programs: The bank will run a “Healthy Cooking” series at local schools, using the money to provide cooking supplies and meal plans.

“Beyond the immediate relief, the funding helps us invest in long‑term solutions like cooking classes and nutrition education,” said Carter. “Those tools equip families to make healthier choices even after the food bank’s help ends.”

Voices from the Community

The article includes several short interview clips that capture the human side of the initiative:

• J. C. Brown, owner of Brown’s Deli: “We’re proud to have donated 500 pounds of turkey and a small cash contribution. Seeing those packages delivered to families made it all worthwhile.”
• M. E. Ramirez, a high‑school volunteer: “I met people I never would have otherwise. It’s amazing to see how many families need help—one volunteer can create a ripple effect.”
• Mayor D. W. Smith: “I want to thank Fox 11 for their leadership and the community for stepping up. This partnership shows that collective action can tackle hunger head‑on.”

Looking Ahead

While the Marinette chapter has concluded, the Fox 11 Food Project is far from finished. The station has announced that the next phase will expand into the Green Bay area, aiming to triple the number of families served by the end of 2024. A new fundraising strategy includes a “Digital Donation Drive” using QR codes at local businesses, and a “Corporate Match” initiative where local firms will match employee contributions.

“We’re excited to keep the momentum going,” said Phelps. “The goal is to create a model of community‑based hunger relief that other cities can replicate.”

Key Takeaways

Useful Links

• Fox 11 Food Project Home: https://fox11online.com/fox-11-food-project
• Marinette Food Bank: https://marinettefoodbank.org
• Volunteer Sign‑Up: https://fox11online.com/fox-11-food-project/volunteer
• Donation Page: https://fox11online.com/fox-11-food-project/donate

The conclusion of the Fox 11 Food Project in Marinette is a celebration of community spirit, effective partnership, and the ongoing fight against food insecurity. As the program moves into its next phase, the message is clear: the impact of a united local effort can ripple far beyond a single event, feeding hope, and hunger alike.