News

Eau Claire Pop-Up Program Transition

Feed My People Food Bank (FMP) is transitioning its Eau Claire pop-up program by reducing the number of monthly distributions. This change is part of a broader effort to strengthen long-term hunger relief across West Central Wisconsin. 

Beginning in June, FMP will scale back its Eau Claire pop-up distribution schedule from four events per month to two. Distributions will take place at the Hunger Action Center, 2610 Alpine Road, on the second Monday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and the fourth Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m., continuing through December.

In 2027, pop-ups in Eau Claire will move to an as-needed, emergency response model rather than have a regular schedule. This shift is being made in coordination with local pantries.

"These changes allow Feed My People to use the Hunger Action Center and our resources to support our most important mission." said Executive Director, Padraig Gallagher. "As a food bank, we need to play to our strengths and support more than 250 food programs throughout Eau Claire and our region."

As a regional food bank serving 14 counties, FMP's primary role is to source and distribute food through a network of partners, including pantries, schools, and community organizations, who serve their communities directly. Scaling back regularly scheduled pop-ups in Eau Claire will allow FMP to respond more quickly to emerging needs across the region caused by economic shifts, program closures, or other unforeseen events.

The pop-up model is not being eliminated. Instead, it strengthens the program as a rapid-response tool utilized during times of disruption. Mobile pop-ups in rural communities such as Humbird, Granton, and Independence will also continue, alongside ongoing efforts to establish permanent, local food resources.

"This change will increase our ability to meet need as it arises," Gallagher said. "We will be flexible and will absolutely reopen pop-up distributions from our facility, if that is the best way to get food to households that need it most."   

That flexibility has already proven critical. Last fall, FMP added extra days of food distributions in Eau Claire during the freeze on SNAP/FoodShare benefits. FMP also provided short-term food support in Medford and Ladysmith after major pantry closures, working with local leaders to identify long-term solutions. More recently, the closure of Ruby's Pantry created unexpected gaps in several communities. FMP quickly coordinated with local partners to share information on other food resources and organize pop-up distributions, providing immediate relief while helping develop sustainable next steps.