USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Launched Stock the Shelves
The annual campaign aims to provide 650,000 meals to residents across the state this October.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin has initiated its annual 31-day Stock the Shelves fundraising drive. The campaign seeks to provide 650,000 meals to help support food pantries following recent weather disasters.
Why it matters
The effort responds to a significant rise in food insecurity, which impacted 804,000 Wisconsin residents in 2024. The initiative aims to alleviate a massive statewide annual food budget shortfall.
The campaign features $45,000 in matching funds, with each dollar donated providing $10 in purchasing power. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin supports this mission across 400 pantries in 35 counties.
The players
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
This organization is a regional media group that operates multiple news outlets across the state.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
This non-profit organization coordinates food distribution and services for hundreds of local food pantries.
The details
Donations are accepted through an online portal or via mail, with proceeds directed to organizations like Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The effort is particularly focused on replenishing supplies after weather events, such as the August 2025 Milwaukee flooding.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The campaign officially begins.
October 2026: The campaign duration spans 31 days.
August 2025: Milwaukee experienced significant flooding.
2024: Wisconsin recorded an 13.5% food insecurity rate.
2020: The food insecure population was 415,400.
Market Landscape
This fundraiser operates against the backdrop of the 2024 Feeding America food insecurity rate of 13.5% in Wisconsin. The initiative attempts to bridge a portion of the $550,768,000 annual food budget shortfall identified in the state.
Residents can contribute to the campaign to help mitigate a massive statewide budget shortfall for food pantries. Every dollar contributed carries $10 in purchasing power, allowing small donations to have a larger impact on local availability.
The takeaway
With Wisconsin's food insecure population nearly doubling since 2020, collective fundraising plays a vital role in meeting basic nutritional needs. Residents looking to help can maximize their impact through matching programs during this 31-day window.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support communities in Wisconsin Philanthropy.
More information
To contribute to the cause, visit the online food pantry donation portal.
Live Poll
Do you believe local fundraising campaigns are the best way to address food insecurity in your area?
