WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsRecord number of Dane County families rely on area food pantries

Record number of Dane County families rely on area food pantries

MADISON (WKOW) -- St. Vincent de Paul's food pantry distributed $1.28 million in food over the last year since the nation's economic crisis began, according to new figures released this week.

But directors at the pantry say the demand for assistance continues to grow, along with the need for more donations.

Over the last 12 months, St. Vincent de Paul's service center aided more than 75,800 Dane County residents - including over 34,000 children, with food or other basic assistance, including vouchers for prescription medications, clothing, bedding, furniture and household goods.

That's an increase of 9.23 percent over last year's numbers and a record number in the food pantry's history.

“Food pantries all around our area are busy places these days," said Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Madison Paul Middlecamp. "We have built a five-day-per-week, central pantry facility that for years to come will be able to serve people from across Dane County who need a little help to feed their family.  We invite generous individuals, families and organizations to meet the Madison Community Foundation challenge and help us bring to a successful conclusion this important effort to build hope among our neighbors in need.”

SVdP's Help Build Hope Campaign is still $500,000 short of their spring 2010 goal, but a $100,000 challenge grant from the Madison Community Foundation takes the organization one step closer.

Middlecamp welcomed the timing of the Madison Community Foundation challenge grant.  “At our food pantry, we’re seeing more new faces – people who may never have needed a pantry before,” he said.  “Completing the campaign for our new center soon will allow us to devote our resources to providing food and other aid during what are still difficult times for so many people at the margins.”

The food pantry began serving from its new facility at 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd. in February, and the entire complex was completed by late May.