In June, a local business owner reached out to Soup or Socks concerning one of their employees who was facing significant difficulties. This individual had confided in their employer, sharing that their family of four had no food in their refrigerator. Initially hesitant and embarrassed to seek assistance, the employer assured them that Cheryl, the director at Soup or Socks, would handle their case discreetly.
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Overcoming their reservations, this person visited the pantry outside of our regular hours, seeking help. The individual and their spouse had exhausted every avenue to make ends meet, including relocating to more affordable housing outside of Marshfield, however, they still faced food insecurity. The individual provided the necessary information, and Soup or Socks supplied them with the groceries they required. Additionally, we registered them for the Nutrition on Weekends (NOW) program for the kids and encouraged them to sign up for Best First Day to receive help with back-to-school clothing. In September, they returned, this time during the pantry’s regular service hours, feeling much more at ease. During that month, Soup or Socks received an emergency supply of Badger Boxes from the Hunger Task Force.
Families of four or more who had already been served in September were contacted to see if they would like one of these boxes. The individual was delighted to receive one and expressed relief, as they had previously been concerned about being judged for needing assistance.
Today, this person is entirely comfortable discussing their needs with the dedicated staff and volunteers at Soup or Socks, and the pantry feels confident that they will not hesitate to ask for help when necessary.
Help support programs that are working to address food insecurities right here in the community.