Sheboygan County Food Bank

For over 40 years, Sheboygan County Food Bank has existed because of the kindness and determined efforts of volunteers. Liz Kroll began operating the Food Bank from her home, counting on the community to open their hearts, kitchen freezer spaces, and warehouse cooler doors. 

“What a crazy ride this has been,” says Liz, “I’m grateful to all of those who helped make the food bank what it is today. So many volunteers, so many ideas, so many people who saw the vision and continually helped where help was needed.”

Through the years, the mission to lead Sheboygan County’s efforts to increase the food security of its residents, by distributing healthy emergency food and fostering innovative partnerships, has not changed. The Sheboygan County Food Bank now distributes food through its core programs, Food for Thought for Kids, the Herb Kohler and Natalie Black Community Cafe, Food+ for Neighbors, and Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry, as well as in partnership with food pantries and other organizations in Sheboygan County, to make sure nutritious food reaches thousands of families, seniors, and children.

With steady inflation and reduced government support in 2023, low-and-middle income families felt the rising food, transportation and housing costs the most. With the end to increased SNAP (FoodShare) benefits in March of last year, local families were set to abruptly lose extra dollars intended to help them through the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bottom line was that more kids would be at risk for hunger on the weekends and the Food Bank knew they had to do something about it.

With the implementation of their Fund Food for Thought crowdfunding campaign, they leaned on the community to help spread the word. For just $5 donors could provide fresh fruit and other easy-to-eat food for one child for one weekend and for $200, donors could support one child for the entire school year. In just about five weeks, 93 donors helped raise $90,000 to feed 450 kids across 24 schools.

Overall, in 2023, the Food Bank served an average of over 5,300 families each month through the Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and network of partner organizations – a staggering 63% increase over 2022.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers 12 years of age or older can help with light food prep, set up, serving lunch, greeting guests, and clean up at the Community Café at St Luke United Methodist Church over the lunch hour Monday through Saturday. Volunteers who are able to lift at least 30 pounds, can assist with the onsite, drive—through distribution Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.

HOST A FOOD DRIVE

Food drives are the best way to help make a difference for local families and the Food Bank will even provide a food collection box and help you organize all the details.

PLANNED GIVING

Include Sheboygan County Food Bank in your estate planning and leave a legacy of compassion in Sheboygan County.

DONATE

Cash donations go a long way in the hands of the Sheboygan County Food Bank. Donate online or make checks payable to Sheboygan County Food Bank and mail to 3115 N 21st Street, Suite #1, Sheboygan, WI 53083.

ATTEND TASTE OF SHEBOYGAN

In 2024, Blue Harbor Resort held the inaugural Taste of Sheboygan event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Sheboygan County Food Bank. Guests had the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle to split with the Food Bank while sampling the best of Sheboygan County restaurants and businesses. This event was sold out in advance, so stay tuned for details for 2025! LEARN MORE

For more information about ways to give, visit sheboygancountyfoodbank.com/ways-to-give.