This browser does not support the Video element.
Food pantry expanded to meet growing need
The Food Pantry serving Waukesha County looks a little different after a recent renovation – and the building is not the only thing that is expanding.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Food Pantry serving Waukesha County looks a little different after a recent renovation – and the building is not the only thing that is expanding.
Connie Krolikowski's missing is a little clearer now. The volunteer has been helping out at the Food Pantry serving Waukesha County for the last three years.
"It was getting pretty crowded," Krolikowski said.
Now that a renovation is complete, there is more room to help others.
"It’s made our space a little more functional," said Executive Director Lyndsay Johnson.
Crews knocked down walls and expanded doorways – all in an effort to meet a growing need.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"It’s grown much faster than what we could easily accommodate in this space," Johnson said. "It’s concerning. It’s very concerning."
Lyndsay Johnson
Johnson said in the last three years, the number of people receiving help has doubled. Statistics from December 2024 have not been factored in yet.
"Food has been a growing expense in many people’s budgets," Johnson said.
Rising costs are an issue even for the pantry. Johnson said it cost $80,000 to buy food in all of 2021. So far in 2024, the price tag has more than quadrupled – to $350,000.
"There are people having a hard time affording the housing, transportation, child care, medical bills, and then have enough money left over for food," Johnson said.
After COVID-era benefits, rebates and credits ended, Johnson said the need increased.
Volunteers work even harder to keep up with demand. They just hope there will be plenty of food to fill the space.
"We don’t want anyone to go hungry. We’re just happy to be able to help," Krolikowski said.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android
The pantry will host an open house on Wednesday, Dec. 11 starting at 4:30 p.m. if you would like to see the renovations in person.
The expansion cost $48,000. Johnson said it was all covered by grants and donated labor and materials.