News

Humbird: Insight into the Impact of Pop-Up Pantries

Twice a month on Tuesdays since September 2020, a driver from Feed My People heads southeast to Humbird, Wisconsin. An unincorporated community with a population of 315 and well off the main highway, it's not on the radar of most. However, the numbers served at each pop-up reflect a huge need in the area. An average of 200 households receive produce, pantry staples, and other food items at each pop-up. Guests come from Humbird and drive in from surrounding rural communities.  

One gentleman comes all the way from Willard, another small town in Clark County a half hour away. He picks up vital food for his elderly neighbors who can no longer drive. Because he has a four-wheel drive pick-up, weather is never an issue, and "he is a real blessing to folks," according to one of the Humbird volunteers.

The volunteers that run this pop-up are a tight-knit, strong group who have endured all the seasonal weather Wisconsin has to throw them to ensure the pop-up continues strong. Many of them are there through the American Legion Auxiliary.  

"The Humbird distribution, really all of the rural pop-ups, provides such an important service to the community.  Many in these communities are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. Being able to offset some of their food costs with our distribution twice a month really makes a difference," shared Heidi Atkins, a lead volunteer at the Humbird pop-up. "The Humbird team is awesome, and spending a couple hours with them twice a month is a real joy!  I particularly enjoy the pop-ups because they allow face-to-face interaction with the community we are serving." 

Because of the longstanding endurance of the Humbird pop-up, getting to know the guests has resulted in some heartwarming results. There was a couple that the volunteers all got to know who regularly came for food. Several years ago, it became obvious they were living in their vehicle because their sleeping bags and limited belongings were visibly stored in it. That all changed when one day at a recent pop-up event, the man jumped out of the car and gave the volunteers all hugs. He said he now has three jobs and a place to live. Having a consistent source of food from the pop-up was instrumental in their journey to better stability.

The pop-up pantry is a powerful program enabling folks to have accessible access to fresh food and other groceries when other resources may be unavailable or prohibitive due to cost and transportation. The program grew substantially at Feed My People post-COVID to reach those in underserved, especially rural areas who would otherwise go without. Currently, events occur in Eau Claire, Fall Creek, Independence, Arcadia, Weyerhauser, Cadott, Granton, Spooner, and Radisson.

A final story that volunteers witnessed involved a woman who didn't have a car and came late after most everything had been packed up. When asked if there was anything left, the Humbird volunteer team leapt into action gathering groceries for her. She left with a smile on her face and enough groceries to help her get through. That's the power of pop-ups and community. When we come together, we are stronger as we lift up all our neighbors in need.

To get involved as a volunteer at pop-up distributions, visit our volunteer page and find an event. Volunteers are especially needed at the Eau Claire pop-up distributions.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of food, visit our find food hub to find resources near you.

Click here to find a current schedule of pop-up distribution events.