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Rock County organizations hold food and essentials drive

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 18:54 GMT by Channel 3000
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Rock County Organizes Massive Food and Essentials Drive to Support Families in Need

On Thursday, the community of Rock County, Wisconsin, rallied to launch an ambitious food and essentials collection drive that drew volunteers from across the region. The initiative, coordinated by a coalition of local nonprofits, faith‑based groups, and the county’s Department of Human Services, aims to provide food, hygiene products, and household essentials to low‑income families, shelters, and community centers that have been hit hardest by rising costs and supply‑chain disruptions.

The Drive in Action

The event began early in the morning at the Rock County Community Center, where a large banner reading “Feed the Community” hung over a line of volunteers in scrubs and t‑shirts. A spokesperson from the Rock County Food Bank, which is a member of the Wisconsin Food Bank Network, explained that the drive is part of a “continuing effort to close the gap between those who have access to adequate nutrition and those who struggle to put food on the table.”

Participants set up multiple collection stations around the venue: one for canned goods and dry staples, another for fresh produce and dairy, a third for diapers and baby supplies, and a fourth for laundry detergent, dish soap, and other household necessities. The volunteer effort was robust, with over 200 community members, including high‑school students, retirees, and local business owners, turning out to help sort and bag donations.

By the end of the day, the organizers reported that the drive had collected more than 4,000 canned items, 350 fresh fruits and vegetables, 180 diaper packs, and over 250 bottles of detergent. “We’ve exceeded our goal by almost 30%,” said Maria Lopez, the director of the Rock County Food Bank. “These items will go directly to families who are currently receiving assistance from the county’s social service programs.”

Partnerships and Funding

The collaboration between the Food Bank and the county government was highlighted in a brief statement on the Rock County official website, where the Department of Human Services’ executive director, Thomas Greene, noted that the county is committed to “providing comprehensive support to our residents.” He added that the drive was made possible by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which funded the purchase of additional storage units and transportation to distribute the goods to local shelters.

The event was also supported by the Rock County Farm Bureau, which donated fresh produce from local farms and organized a mobile donation truck to bring supplies from neighboring counties. In addition, the local Chamber of Commerce helped spread the word through social media campaigns, reaching thousands of residents.

Impact on the Community

The collected items will be distributed to several key partners across the county. The Rock County Food Bank will distribute the food items through its network of 12 community partners, including the Rock County Shelter, the St. Mary’s Catholic Charities, and the Rock Valley Food Pantry. Meanwhile, the hygiene and household essentials will be sent to the Rock County Women’s Shelter and the Rock County Homeless Services Program.

Local schools and community centers will also receive a portion of the donations. “We have a program for low‑income families that provides a monthly ‘Goodie Bag’ of groceries and household supplies,” said Principal Angela Ruiz of Rock Valley Elementary. “This drive gives us the extra capacity to double the number of families we can serve this year.”

Ongoing Effort

While the Thursday event was a highlight, the drive is ongoing. Volunteers and donors are encouraged to drop off items at the community center’s donation bins or arrange pickups through the Food Bank’s online scheduling system. The Rock County Food Bank’s website lists a “Donate” page that outlines the types of items needed and offers an online form for scheduled donations. According to the Food Bank’s web page, the organization also accepts monetary contributions, which can help purchase fresh produce that may otherwise be too expensive for donors to bring themselves.

The county’s official website hosts a dedicated page for the drive, featuring a calendar of upcoming events and a contact form for organizations wishing to partner. The page also links to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ funding portal, which provides information on how to apply for grants to support similar community projects.

A Community Success Story

For many residents, the drive is more than a distribution event—it’s a reminder that the community stands together. “My family has been struggling with rent and food lately,” said Jamal Thompson, a local resident who attended the event. “Knowing that we have neighbors who are willing to give back gives me hope.”

In a statement, the director of the Rock County Human Services expressed gratitude for the volunteers and donors. “Your generosity is turning challenges into solutions,” she said. “It’s a testament to the spirit of Rock County.”

The food and essentials drive demonstrates the power of collaboration among nonprofits, faith groups, local businesses, and county officials. As the drive continues to collect and distribute supplies, it provides a model for how communities can leverage local resources to address food insecurity, maintain basic household needs, and foster resilience during uncertain times.