Food Pantry Faces Critical Move to Continue Serving Community

It’s an important mission at a critical time of need in Baraboo. But Beyond Blessed Pantry is now facing its own critical need. The pantry is being forced to find a new space to continue its mission. Beyond Blessed Executive Director Shannon Howley says the pantry numbers are trending up, too – from an average of 600 to more than 775 households receiving food each week. 

If you don’t have a building, you can’t serve the people.

Shannon Howley, Beyond Blessed Pantry

“Our outreach spans across 24 Wisconsin counties and we are one of the few operating without residency restrictions,” Howley explains. “A solution is possible, but time is running out.” 

Board members with Beyond Blessed have been told they’ll need to move from the current Walnut Street site by January, 2025.

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Listen to the full interview from 99.7 MAX-FM here:

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“The pantry needs a facility of at least 15,000 square feet with dock access and ample parking,” Howley says. “But even a five or six-thousand square-foot space would keep the pantry operational. Some other requirements include adequate electricity to run essential equipment, including walk-in coolers and freezers.”

Howley calls her faith and a deep commitment to the community as reasons to continue this important work.

“If you don’t have a building, you can’t serve people,” Howley explains. “We have warehouse products and items needing coolers and freezers. But without space, we lose the ability to support our community.”

Community members are encouraged to help ensure the pantry can continue meeting the growing demand, especially as the colder months approach. Howley hopes someone will have a lead on a potential location. But it has to happen soon.

“This is something we need to have happen right away,” she says. “And I’m worried. If the pantry is forced to close, it will hurt families from all around the area.” 

Learn more about the pantry and how to help here.