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Fox 11 Food Project Expands Its Reach in Manitowoc, Bringing Fresh Groceries to Families in Need

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 6:00 GMT by Fox 11 News

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Fox 11 Food Project Expands Its Reach in Manitowoc, Bringing Fresh Groceries to Families in Need

The Fox 11 Food Project—a community‑driven initiative that began in Milwaukee in 2017—has moved beyond its original borders and is now making a tangible difference in Manitowoc County. A new article on the Fox 11 website, “Fox 11 Food Project Continues in Manitowoc,” chronicles the latest phase of the program, detailing how the partnership between the television station, local nonprofits, and regional businesses is delivering fresh produce, pantry staples, and much‑needed hope to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

A Quick Recap of the Food Project

When Fox 11 first launched the Food Project, the goal was simple yet powerful: connect people who have surplus food—whether from grocery stores, restaurants, or private donors—to families struggling with food insecurity. The program is staffed by a team of volunteers and overseen by a small paid staff, who coordinate the logistics of picking up, storing, and distributing food. The initiative is guided by a “no‑judgment” policy; it’s not about what a family can or cannot afford, but about ensuring everyone in the community has access to nutritious food.

According to Fox 11’s own documentation, the Food Project has distributed more than 2.5 million pounds of food across the state to date. The “Fox 11 Food Project” website (linked in the article) explains that the program works hand‑in‑hand with local partners such as grocery chains, farmers’ markets, and non‑profits that operate food banks and shelters.

Manitowoc’s First Distribution Hub

Manitowoc’s partnership with the Food Project began early this year when a group of city officials, community leaders, and Fox 11 volunteers announced the opening of a new distribution hub in the city’s downtown area. The hub sits in a renovated storefront that previously housed a small retail shop, now repurposed to store and sort the donated groceries before they’re shipped out to families.

“We’re thrilled to see the Food Project come to our city,” said Mayor Mark Decker. “Food insecurity is a growing problem here, and this partnership gives us a reliable way to feed families who might otherwise go hungry.” The mayor’s statement underscores the city’s commitment to supporting the Food Project’s logistics—providing space, transportation resources, and even a volunteer “transport team” that drives donated items from the hub to nearby shelters and pantries.

How the Distribution Works

The article walks readers through the day‑to‑day operations at the Manitowoc hub. Volunteers arrive early each morning to receive shipments from partnering grocery stores and local farms. These items are then sorted into three categories:

1. Fresh Produce – fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are delivered on a daily basis.
2. Pantry Staples – canned goods, dry grains, and other non‑perishable items.
3. Specialty Items – dairy, eggs, and prepared foods that require refrigeration.

Once sorted, the goods are packaged into “food bags” of varying sizes. Some bags are designed for single households, while larger bundles are meant for community shelters or family‑size recipients. The Food Project’s online portal, which the article links to, allows recipients to pre‑order or request specific items based on their nutritional needs.

Transportation to recipient locations is coordinated through a combination of volunteer drivers, local bus routes, and partnerships with companies that offer discounted or donated fuel. This integrated logistics system ensures that food reaches families on time and in good condition—a point emphasized by the Food Project’s chief logistics officer, who said that “timeliness and temperature control are critical to our mission.”

Partnerships that Make It Possible

A key highlight of the article is the list of partners that have joined forces in Manitowoc. Among them are:

• Manitowoc County Food Bank – The regional food bank receives a portion of the Food Project’s shipments for distribution to its own network of pantries. The article notes that the Food Bank’s Director, Emily Johnson, praised the partnership as “a win‑win for both of our organizations.”

• Local Grocery Chains – Several regional supermarkets, including Aldi, Walmart, and Target, have pledged to redirect surplus produce and pantry items to the Food Project. The article includes an interview with a grocery manager from Aldi, who explained that the partnership reduces food waste while helping the store meet its corporate social responsibility goals.

• The Salvation Army of Manitowoc – The Salvation Army’s local food pantry is a major recipient of the Food Project’s deliveries. A volunteer from the Salvation Army shared that the partnership has allowed her organization to expand its weekly distribution from 200 to 350 families.

• Manitowoc Community Center – The community center has offered its meeting rooms for volunteer training and for hosting “food‑education” workshops. The Food Project staff described these workshops as a way to teach families how to stretch their food budgets and cook nutritious meals on a tight budget.

• City of Manitowoc Transportation Department – The department has donated a fleet of refrigerated trucks to aid in the safe transport of perishable items. This collaboration was highlighted in the article’s “Behind the Scenes” section.

Volunteer Spotlight and Success Stories

The Fox 11 article gives voice to the volunteers that keep the Food Project running. One volunteer, Alex Ramirez, who is a former food‑service manager at a local university, shared that the work feels “like a calling.” He explained that many volunteers, including retirees, students, and even high school interns, are drawn by the opportunity to give back to their community while learning about supply chain management.

In addition to profiles of volunteers, the article features a touching story of a single mother, Lillian Nguyen, who received a Food Project distribution bundle last month. Nguyen’s family of four had been living on a modest income, and the food package allowed her to keep her children healthy while she searched for a new job. “I can’t thank you enough,” Nguyen told the reporters. “It’s more than just groceries; it’s hope.”

The article also includes a quick statistic: since opening the Manitowoc hub, the Food Project has distributed over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce and 30,000 pounds of pantry staples to 1,200 families in the first six months.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Expansion

The article closes with an optimistic outlook. Fox 11’s Food Project team, city officials, and partners are planning several next‑steps:

1. Adding a Community Garden – The Food Project intends to partner with the city’s parks department to create a community garden that can supply fresh produce for the distribution hub.

2. Expanding to Nearby Towns – Plans are underway to establish satellite hubs in neighboring towns such as Cedarburg and Sheboygan Falls.

3. Strengthening Digital Ordering – The Food Project’s online portal is being upgraded to allow families to track their deliveries, request specific items, and provide feedback.

4. Educational Initiatives – The Food Project aims to host cooking classes and nutrition seminars at local schools and libraries.

City officials hope these initiatives will make the Food Project a permanent fixture in Manitowoc’s social safety net. “This isn’t a temporary fix,” Mayor Decker said. “It’s a long‑term commitment to ensuring that no Manitowoc resident goes hungry.”

In a Nutshell

The Fox 11 Food Project’s expansion into Manitowoc is a testament to the power of community collaboration. By bringing together a local TV station, grocery retailers, nonprofits, and the city itself, the initiative has created a reliable, efficient system that delivers fresh, nutritious food to families who need it most. As the article highlights, the partnership goes beyond merely feeding the hungry—it builds trust, empowers volunteers, and sparks hope.

If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, the article provides links to the Food Project’s official website, the Manitowoc County Food Bank’s portal, and the city’s volunteer sign‑up page. Whether you’re a food donor, a volunteer, or simply a concerned citizen, the Food Project’s continued presence in Manitowoc promises a brighter, more equitable future for all its residents.