Rib Lake Food pantry celebrates 20 years helping families

What started out as a Rubbermaid tote with two or three meals in it has become an overwhelming success.

Director Karon Dallmann and her team have worked hard to make the Rib Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry accessible to anyone who is in need.

Their mission: No one should go hungry.

Unlike some pantries who put the food together and hand it directly to the families when they get there, this pantry allows people who arrive, to pick what food they would like to eat themselves.

“Sometimes people come in one time only, and other people come in on a regular basis. Whoever is in need, we are here to help,” Dallmann said.

Due to the increasing need over the past few months, the church has added a second walk-in time to their schedule.

Inventory of food remains consistent but during the holidays, signature items are available. For instance, stuffing or pies during Thanksgiving or a ham during Easter.

“What we have is what we have, we don’t cater to specific brands or anything like that. However, if people have dietary restrictions due to medication reasons, we can make accommodations for those people,” Dallmann added.

During Christmas time, the elementary, middle and high schools of the Rib Lake area held a food drive. Along with Great Northern Cabinetry’s employee food drive, there was an over abundance of food. When this happened, Karon and her team reached out to Jump River and they helped supply Jump River’s food pantry.

The food pantry not only supplies non-perishable food items, but also supplies toiletries, seasonings, baby formula, and much more.

Fresh garden produce that someone would like to donate, is always welcome. Dairy products are not included due to the small window of freshness that it requires. Dallmann assures people that they don’t have to be Methodist or from only Taylor County to receive services. People of any faith or from surrounding areas are welcome. Pantry organizers say they would be unable to provide this service without the support and generosity of area businesses, institutions and private donors.

For more information on how you can either donate or if you are in need of food pantry services, contact Karon Dallmann at 715-427-3563.

Rib Lake Community Food Pantry United Methodist Church 1300 Church St. Rib Lake, WI 54470 Food pantry walk in hours are the third Wednesday of every month from 9-11 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.

Or by appointment by calling Karon