MARSHFIELD – Ruby’s Pantry, a multi-state food distribution program, continues to serve Marshfield residents through its monthly Pop-Up Pantry at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
The organization operates 87 locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
Its model is based on the legacy of Ruby A. Flodin, who was known for sharing food from her own pantry with community members.
According to the organization, Ruby’s Pantry has distributed 34 million pounds of food as of last year.
It works with 150 food suppliers and operates with approximately 17,500 volunteers across all locations.
The Marshfield site distributed 242 bundles last year.
Ruby’s Pantry collects surplus and overstocked food items from manufacturers, distributors and producers.
These items are sorted at warehouse distribution centers in North Branch, Minn.; Waupaca, Wis.; and Elbow Lake, Minn.
Semi-truck deliveries are then sent to monthly Pop-Up Pantry sites in participating communities.
The Marshfield Pop-Up Pantry operates from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., closing earlier if supplies run out.
Each food bundle costs $25 and consists of a full shopping cart of assorted items.
Bundles are pre-packed, and no selection of individual items is offered.
There are no income or residency requirements, and no advance registration is necessary.
Each vehicle may purchase up to two bundles.
Coordinator Kevin Lindow said Ruby’s Pantry has been active in Marshfield for several years.
Prior to its arrival, a similar local program operated as Eastgate Alliance.
After COVID-19, Eastgate ended operations, and Lindow contacted Ruby’s Pantry to establish a Pop-Up site in Marshfield.
Dale Christiansen, executive director of the Central Wisconsin State Fair Association, approved use of the fairgrounds for distribution.
The Pop-Up Pantry is sponsored by Immanuel United Methodist Church in Chili.
The pantry typically operates on the first Saturday of each month.
In July and August, the distribution is held at the end of July due to the Lindow family’s participation in livestock showing events.
Last month, the Marshfield location served more than 200 people and distributed 56 bundles.
“We had to turn about 50 people away,” Lindow said, which was “most likely” due to the recent SNAP benefits issues.
Lindow said that his entire family volunteers at the Pop-Up Pantry, along with 25 to 30 additional volunteers.
Stating to his children that if they didn’t have to volunteer for the pantry, they would have their Saturday’s free, his kids responded, “Dad, we can’t think of a better way to spend our Saturdays than helping people.”
Those interested in volunteering may contact info@rubysheart.org.
More information about Ruby’s Pantry is available at rubyspantry.org.
This story is part of an ongoing series on local food insecurity.
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