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Local Family Center changes pantry model, asks community to help fill the shelves

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WOOD COUNTY – Wisconsin Rapids Family Center has recently changed the way clients access food through its pantry, moving from a traditional pre-packed model to a client-choice model. The change gives individuals and families the opportunity to select foods that meet their dietary preferences, cultural traditions and household needs.
The new model is about more than food. It creates opportunities for greater client engagement and personal connection with advocates while promoting dignity, choice and food security. Clients can select foods they know their families will eat, rather than receiving a predetermined assortment.
With that change comes a new need: a well-stocked pantry with a greater variety of food. Because clients are choosing what works best for their households, Wisconsin Rapids Family Center needs a broad selection of pantry staples to keep the shelves stocked.
To help meet that need, Wisconsin Rapids Family Center is hosting its first Drive-Through Food Drive on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 500 25th St. N. in Wisconsin Rapids. Community members can simply drive up, drop off donations and go—making it an easy way to support local families.
Some of the urgently needed items include:

• Mac and cheese
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Rice and potato side dishes
• Canned fruit, tuna and chicken
• Canned curry paste and bamboo shoots
• Jasmine rice and vermicelli noodles
Please note the center cannot distribute expired items.

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