MARSHFIELD – Soup or Socks is known for its food and clothing pantry, but the organization also operates a Diaper Bank, hosts events and coordinates fundraisers including the March Empty Bowls event.
The organization began in 1992 as the Marshfield Area Pantry. In 1994, it adopted the name Soup or Socks to reflect the addition of a clothing pantry.
The original location was in the building that now houses the Chestnut Center for the Arts.
At the time, it was the First Presbyterian Church, which later built its current facility.
According to Director Lindsay Behounek, the church constructed space specifically for Soup or Socks, and the organization now rents three rooms there.
Soup or Socks operates on an income-based model and is funded entirely through donations. Hunger Task Force also provides support by supplying food.
To receive items from the pantry, clients must bring identification, proof of income, and proof of address.
Delivery is not available, but clients may designate someone to pick up items for them.
A Food Pantry Referral form must be completed to indicate dietary preferences and to identify which food items should not be included.
The form also includes an “Other Needs” section for items such as shampoo, deodorant, soap and other essentials.
Clients may select up to three items from each category: Personal Care, Household Products and a separate category for feminine products, diapers and wipes.
Clients may visit the food pantry up to six times per year, with at least 30 days between visits.
Clothing services are available twice per year by appointment.
The Diaper Bank may be accessed once a month.
Food Pantry hours are Monday through Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Clothes Closet is open by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Behounek said Soup or Socks occupies a 1,700-square-foot service area and assists residents from Neillsville to Milladore and from Stratford to Pittsville.
The organization serves about 115 households each month.
In 2025, so far, Soup or Socks has aided 4,000 people through the pantry, 500 through clothing services, 115 through the Diaper Bank and 600 through the Best Snow Day and Best First Day programs.
Best First Day partners with United Way each August to support the Supplies for Success program, which provides school supplies to children.
Soup or Socks contributes clothing and shoes as part of this effort.
Best Snow Day takes place each October and serves children from preschool through sixth grade by providing snow pants, pajamas, snow boots, books and other winter necessities.
The organization’s annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held March 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“It’s designed to resemble a soup kitchen,” Behounek said. “We get soups donated from area businesses.”
A 12-ounce bowl costs $10, or $15 for a 12-ounce bowl plus a flight of three samples.
The event will take place at the Eagles Club in Marshfield and will include raffle baskets donated by area businesses.
The fundraiser is not government-funded and relies on donated contributions.
Soup or Socks accepts donations of food, clothing and diapers, though it does not accept socks or underwear.
Clothing donations should be like-new or gently used.
“Pantries everywhere are feeling an increased need,” Behounek said. “All donations help.”
The organization has about 100 volunteers and is seeking additional support.
Volunteer information, donation needs and contact details can be found at souporsocks.org, or find them on Facebook.
Behounek may also be reached at (715) 305-9200 or (715) 387-1796.
This is part of our ongoing series about local food insecurity.
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