Community steps up for Elkhorn Food Pantry
By Heather Ruenz
Jeanie Raidl has been a staple at the Elkhorn Food Pantry for years and said in spite of the challenges the pandemic has brought, people have stepped up to help the organization.
“It was tough for a while at the beginning of COVID-19 as we weren’t allowed to accept food donations out of peoples’ homes unless it sat for three weeks,” Raidl said.
She said the worry about not being able to take food donations didn’t last long.
“People have been very kind. They made monetary donations or donated at Frank’s Piggly Wiggly and then Frank’s would get the food to us,” Raidl explained.
Also coming through in a big way for the pantry is the Elkhorn Fund, which has for several years provided money – and more recently, vouchers – so families can get a turkey for the holidays.
“The Elkhorn Fund has been a great supporter. They give us money every year for all of the turkeys and with the vouchers, families can get any kind of meat so even if they don’t want turkey, they can buy something to make a nice meal,” Raidl said.
The vouchers given out are based on family size and the Elkhorn Fund also provided vouchers for a gallon of milk and eggs.
Raidl said there are some vouchers for turkeys or meat left so those who come to the pantry between now and Christmas should be able to get one, though that depends on the need.
“We’ve seen an increase like we normally do this time of the year, around the holidays. But I don’t think it’s been much more than that,” she said.
According to Raidl, when the pandemic hit earlier this year, the pantry was required to follow numerous mandates from the state.
“At first, we had to prepackage everything so clients didn’t even get out of their cars,” she said.
In an effort to offer people a variety of food, helpers at the pantry followed lists that were changed monthly. How much food was packaged depended on the number of family members, Raidl said.
Things have since calmed down so now the pantry allows only two people inside at a time and there is a helper at the front desk.
“People come in and fill out a menu. Then a volunteer goes around and fills the order and other volunteers carry the orders out to their cars. It’s working quite well,” Raidl said.
Other safety guidelines being followed include wiping everything down at the end of the day and a lot of hand sanitizer throughout the pantry.
Raidl said the partnership with the Walworth County Food Pantry is another thing she’s thankful for.
“They accept our Feeding America orders monthly as they do for other pantries throughout the area. They’ve been a great resource for us,” she said.
Raidl, while still involved, stepped down as president earlier this year. Shirley Bultman is the new president of the food pantry and Raidl said she’s doing a great job.
She reminds people the pantry is open to anyone who needs it.
“Just come in and we’ll get you all set up,” Raidl said.
The Elkhorn Food Pantry is at 14 W. Geneva St. and is currently open 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
