MARSHFIELD – Food insecurity continues to affect many households in Marshfield and across Wood County, according to data shared by local agencies and community programs.
United Way reports that 39% of households in Marshfield earn less than the basic cost of living.
So far this year, 1,156 food assistance requests have been fulfilled.
The Nutrition on Weekends program also served 677 children with ready-to-eat weekend meal packs in 2024, an increase from the pre-pandemic average of 443 packs per weekend.
Statewide support programs remain critical for many families.
FoodShare, Wisconsin’s SNAP program, continues to provide assistance to eligible residents.
Information and applications are available at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Addressing concerns about recent delays tied to the federal government shutdown, DHS spokesperson Jennifer Miller said FoodShare benefits “will be issued on schedule” for December and reminded residents that they may check balances by calling QUEST Card Services at (877) 415-5164.
Several organizations across Wood County provide food pantries, community meals, and home-delivered meal services.
In South Wood County, available resources include the Focus Food Pantry, Ruby’s Food Pantry, Focus Neighborhood Meals, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Senior Dining program.
Meal delivery options include ADRC Meals on Wheels, Aspirus Riverview Hospital Home Delivered Meals, and services offered by Ho-Chunk Nation.
Additional support is available through the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center and the Stock Box Program.
Free Thanksgiving meals are provided by St. Paul’s Church, Slice of Heaven Bakery, the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Club and Crossroads Church.
In Marshfield, food resources include Soup or Socks, St. Vincent de Paul, Ruby’s Pantry and the Little Free Pantries of Marshfield.
Meal services such as Home Delivered Meals, Nutrition on Weekends, and ADRC Senior Dining support local residents throughout the year.
Community Thanksgiving meals are available at the American Legion and through Fellowship Meals at St. Vincent de Paul.
Residents seeking assistance with food, housing, utilities or caregiving can contact 211 at any time.
Services are available at 211wisconsin.communityos.org, by dialing 211 or 877-947-2211, or by texting a ZIP code to 898211.
Information on donating to local food programs can be found on the United Way Facebook page or the Marshfield Area United Way website.
To be continued
Editor’s Note: Over the upcoming weeks, the Hub City Times will highlight the Marshfield programs that address food insecurity.
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