Food Pantry:

St. Vincent de Paul operates the largest food pantry in Dane County .  We have changed to a client choice model and relocated to 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd. Nearly 20,000 households were served in 2008.  We donated over $1,100,000 of food last year.

People needing assistance with food are given 3 days of groceries. Recipients are eligible for assistance once every 30 days. Identification for themselves and all family members is required.

A customer-choice model of distribution operates more like a grocery store.  We expect that this model – in which clients will have broader choice among the food items we’re able to provide – will not only honor the dignity and ethnic diversity of the people we serve, it will also minimize waste and promote efficient distribution of our charitable resources.

People need food for many reason.  High fuel costs and expensive housing in Madison are making it difficult for families to make ends meet.  In most people's budget, food dollars are the last dollars spent.  If any other crisis comes up they do not have enough to buy the food they need.  Then, they come to pantries such as ours for help.  

Donations of canned and nonperishable food are always needed. The pantry also has several freezers to store meat for donation. If you or your organization is able to provide food please call the Service Center Staff at (608) 257-0919.

We also need volunteers to to stock our pantry and host our customers.  If you are interested call 257-0919 x443 to speak with our Volunteer and Member Development Coordinator, and ask to attend the next volunteer information and orientation session.

The pantry hours are:   Monday, Tuesday & Friday 10:30am-2:30pm;
Thursday 2:30pm-6:30pm;  Saturday 9:30am-11:30.  
See map.

 

Food Pantry Featured on Front Page of The New York Times
Our "client choice" food pantry was featured on the front page of the New York Times this week. Click here to see.  It would be nice to think they searched the whole country for the best pantry to report on but there was a little good fortune involved.  However, we are still proud that our efforts have now been reported to a wider audience and we are getting calls from around the country inquiring about duplicating our model.

 

 

 

District Council of Madison Wisconsin  
© 2009 Society Of St Vincent de Paul All Rights Reserved