Stronger Together: The FOOD Pantry Collaborates With Non-Profits and Community Partners to Serve
At The FOOD Pantry, we believe that no one organization can meet every need alone—but together, we can make a powerful impact. Our work is made possible through deep collaboration with a network of community partners and non-profits who share our mission of supporting neighbors in need. Here are just some of the ways we’re working together to nourish our community with the resources we have available:
TEFAP Distribution Hub for Waukesha County
The FOOD Pantry proudly serves as the central distribution hub for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Waukesha County. This is in partnership with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC). While CAC manages the distribution of TEFAP food with Waukesha County non-profit TEFAP recipients, The FOOD Pantry provides the warehouse space and some of the delivery logistic support to distribute dry goods, frozen items, fresh produce, and milk to local TEFAP recipient agencies including Hebron Housing Services, Sussex Outreach Services, Friends with Food, Waukesha Salvation Army, The Women’s Center and The Hope Center.
One of the benefits of this collaboration is it ensures that TEFAP perishable food like milk and fresh produce is delivered directly from the distribution center to Waukesha County, so recipient agencies have more time to distribute the food. From January-June 2025, The FOOD Pantry has helped distribute 53,700 pounds of perishable food.
Supporting Housing Agencies and Meal Sites
The FOOD Pantry sometimes receives prepared food donations from professional catering companies, restaurants, or through the food recovery program. Some of these donations could be more easily distributed by agencies that operate prepared meal sites. When these donations occur, The FOOD Pantry shares the donations with Hebron Housing Services, Hope Center, Waukesha Salvation Army, and The Women’s Center. These partnerships ensure that no food goes to waste and vulnerable individuals receive nourishing meals. From January-June 2025, The FOOD Pantry has shared 1,020 pounds of food.
Expanding Food Access Through Referrals and Delivery
We recognize that not everyone can visit the pantry in person. To reach those most in need, The FOOD Pantry partners with local agencies to provide food through direct referrals and coordinated deliveries. Participating agencies include:
- Eras Senior Network: Volunteers assist eligible seniors and adults with disabilities by delivering food prepared by The FOOD Pantry for clients experiencing food insecurity.
- Waukesha Free Clinic: During appointment scheduling, staff assess food needs. If needed, we prepare groceries for pick-up, which Clinic staff distribute during medical visits.
- Waukesha County Public Health & Waukesha School District Social Workers: We coordinate with social workers to provide food to families during emergencies or special circumstances.
- DoorDash (via Hunger Task Force): Seniors eligible for the Stockbox program and living within 10 miles of the pantry can receive monthly food deliveries through this service.
Sharing Donations to Maximize Impact
At times, we receive donations that fall outside our mission. In these cases, we partner with other local organizations to ensure these items still benefit the community. For example, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins are shared with the Waukesha Free Clinic to support the health and wellness of our mutual clients. Non-food items are passed along to the Waukesha Service Club for distribution to others in the community.
These collaborations help ensure that every donation serves a meaningful purpose.
Backpack Coalition
Each year, we join the Backpack Coalition, led by United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, to provide school supplies to children in need. In 2024, we distributed 484 of the 3,000 backpacks given out in Waukesha County so that children in our community are prepared for a successful school year. This year, we’ll distribute 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies with a value of $70 starting Monday, August 4.
Workforce Development
We partner with Equus Workforce Solutions to support clients seeking employment or job training. Equus staff meet with clients during pantry hours to connect them with FoodShare Employment & Training (FSET) services.
Library Outreach
Public libraries offer more than books! Outreach librarians visit The FOOD Pantry during service hours to: sign up clients for library cards and promote free resources.
Advocacy & Community Coalitions
We stay connected and informed in community and regional initiatives through active participation in local coalitions including:
- Hunger Relief Federation
- Waukesha County Nutrition Coalition
- Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County
- Waukesha Hispanic Alliance
These groups help us share updates, advocate for change, and collaborate on shared community goals.
Nutrition Education
Through our partnership with UW Extension FoodWise, we’ve offered recipe samples, nutrition tips, and food safety education. While the program is ending due to funding reductions, we’re grateful for the impact it made for our clients.
We’re proud to work alongside so many dedicated organizations. We’re building a healthier, more connected community that is stronger and better together.
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