For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Feeding Our Communities with United Services (FOCUS) is again partnering with Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin and Valley Bakers to distribute free boxes of food for two weeks in September.

The distributions will occur on Thursdays, 10 a.m. – noon, or until the food is all distributed, on Sept. 10 and Sept. 17.

Volunteers will carry out the distribution in the east parking lot of 2321 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, across from the Wheeler’s auto dealership. Participants are asked to follow the signs and enter the site from Alton Street via 25th or 22nd Avenue.

“The food boxes will contain produce, meat, and dairy items. Anyone who wishes to participate in the distribution is asked to come starting at 10 a.m. to allow volunteers to set-up for the distribution. To help prevent traffic congestion, arriving after 10:30 a.m. is recommended,” a FOCUS release said.

“These food boxes are paid for by the USDA and Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin worked with Valley Bakersto provide this healthy food directly to high-need areas free of charge. Quantities are limited and will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis (no pre-registration necessary). The limit will be one box per vehicle unless the party is also picking up for a home-bound individual.

“Participants should make sure there is room available in their vehicle’s trunk or backseat for the box of food, and to be patient while others are being served. Since this is a contact-free pantry, participants are asked to remain in their vehicles while receiving the food and practice social distancing. Anyone feeling ill should remain home and not participate in this distribution.”