In downtown Wausau, a 15-year tradition just got stronger. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ has restored its food pantry to weekly operations every Thursday morning, thanks to an outpouring of community support that arrived exactly when it was needed most.
The pantry had temporarily scaled back to every other week earlier this year as demand climbed and supplies dwindled. But grants, donations, and good old-fashioned Northwoods neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit turned things around.
“We didn’t want to run out of food completely,” says Janet Beck, who coordinates the pantry. “But we’ve had a great response from the community.”
When Demand Outpaces Supply
Food pantries across Wisconsin have felt the squeeze over the past year. Rising grocery prices and economic uncertainty mean more families are turning to local resources to fill the gap.
St. Paul’s UCC felt that pressure directly. Higher demand met tighter supplies, forcing the difficult decision to cut back operations to the second and fourth Thursdays only.
For Marathon County residents who rely on the pantry — many juggling work schedules, transportation challenges, or simply trying to stretch paychecks to month’s end — that change meant fewer opportunities to access the help they needed.
Community Steps Up in a Big Way
The cutback didn’t sit well with the Wausau community. Within weeks, support started flowing in from multiple directions.
Thrivent provided grants that bolstered the pantry’s purchasing power. Peyton’s Promise, a local nonprofit, contributed essential donations. And the congregation at St. Paul’s UCC dug deep, giving generously to keep the shelves stocked.
The result? By late spring, the pantry was back to weekly operations every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.
“I think it’s great that we have a way to show our love for God through serving other people. They’re all God’s children and we need to help them out.” — Janet Beck, Food Pantry Coordinator
That sentiment captures something essential about the Northwoods: when someone needs a hand, folks show up.
More Than Just Food on Shelves
St. Paul’s UCC sits at 426 Washington Street in downtown Wausau, a historic brick building that’s been serving the community for over 150 years. The food pantry is just one piece of their outreach work.
The church also runs programs like Tiny Tots Closet and Open Door initiatives, all aimed at supporting Marathon County families. And they’re part of a broader network — more than 20 area churches collaborate on food assistance efforts, including the ecumenical Ruby’s Pantry program.
To access the pantry, residents need a photo ID and proof of Marathon County residency. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday mornings until noon. You can reach them at (715) 842-3733.
Food Insecurity Hits Rural Communities Hard
The need for pantries like St. Paul’s isn’t going away. Rural poverty rates in northern Wisconsin counties hover around 12-15%, and the Northwoods economy — with its mix of manufacturing, tourism, and seasonal work — creates financial uncertainty for many families.
Inflation has made grocery shopping a source of stress for households that were already stretching tight budgets. When that happens, food pantries become a lifeline, not a last resort.
What’s happening in Wausau reflects a larger pattern. Communities across the region are seeing increased pantry usage, and volunteers are working overtime to meet the moment.
What This Means for Marathon County
The return to weekly operations isn’t just about more food on more days. It’s about consistency and reliability for families who need to know where their next meal is coming from.
It’s also about what happens when a community refuses to let its neighbors fall through the cracks. Grants and donations matter, sure — but so does the spirit behind them.
St. Paul’s UCC has been part of Wausau’s fabric for generations, and their food pantry has quietly served thousands of people over the past 15 years. Now, with weekly service restored, they’re positioned to reach even more families facing hard times.
How to Help or Get Help
If you or someone you know could benefit from the pantry, stop by St. Paul’s UCC any Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and know you’re walking into a welcoming space.
For those who want to contribute, the pantry accepts donations year-round. Non-perishable items are always needed, and financial contributions help purchase fresh items and fill gaps when supplies run low.
Here’s what makes the biggest impact:
- Canned proteins like tuna, chicken, and beans
- Peanut butter and other shelf-stable proteins
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Pasta, rice, and other grains
- Personal care items like soap and toothpaste
The pantry operates as long as supplies last each Thursday, so consistent donations help ensure everyone who shows up leaves with what they need.
In a region where neighbors look out for each other and community still means something, St. Paul’s food pantry stands as proof that small acts of generosity add up to something powerful. Every Thursday, that proof walks out the door in grocery bags carried by families who know they’re not facing hard times alone.
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