Pantry Pieces: Week 1 Take It or Leave It

Take a minute to ponder which experiences shaped you to be who you are and to do what you do today. For B, her experiences in using local resources while growing up motivated her to create the Take It or Leave It - Community Pantry at 195 E. Cotton St. This pantry is a “greenhouse-style pantry that’s open to anyone who needs it. There are no eligibility requirements, no paperwork, and no questions asked.” Mostly offering non-perishable food & hygiene items, you can also occasionally find books, blankets, and sometimes clothing.

B’s personal experience, paired with inspiration from other popup pantries, led her to start the pantry in November 2025; “I know what it feels like to need that kind of help. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I wanted to create something so others wouldn't feel turned away or without options. Everyone deserves access to basic essentials.” B stocks the pantry entirely through donations, indicating that the community she serves gives right back. There are times when donations slow, leaving the shelves more barren, and there are times when donations surge, overflowing the shelves; what doesn’t change is the level of need.

According to Fondy Food Pantry, ADVOCAP, The Salvation Army of FDL County, and similar resources, 35% of our community is below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), indicating that more than one third of our neighbors are struggling in some way. Whether that be finding a job or housing, paying rent, or affording food & other basic needs, with homelessness tripling since the opening of St. Katharine Drexel Shelter, it’s evident that there is a growing demand to help. Pantries like B’s provide necessary resources to our neighbors who need them; sometimes our neighbors live with these needs without a whisper. “Food & essentials insecurity don’t always look the way people expect. It can affect a family quietly and plenty of neighbors don’t qualify for traditional assistance. Having resources without barriers is so important,” says B.

B’s pantry isn’t just supplies coming from shelves; it’s connection coming from her heart. B states, “I wish people knew how much dignity matters. It’s not just about daily essentials – it’s about creating a space where people feel respected and not judged. [There’s] so much effort [that] goes on behind the scenes.”

Staying true to “I Love Fond Du Lac”, the donations received are entirely supported by the greater community, meaning no daily shipments or guaranteed restocks. As the temperatures rise, so do the needs for items from pantries and similar resources. B has “learned how generous this community can be when the need is understood”. Please consider donating to support B’s mission of maintaining the dignity of those living near us who are facing difficulties. You can contact B through her Facebook at “Queenß Reed” or through the pantry page at “Take It or Leave It - Community Pantry”.

Check in next week for the second feature in “Pantry Pieces”, highlighting local pantries serving our community, often from their own front yards.

Community Pantry List:

"Take It or Leave It - Community Pantry : 195 E Cotton St.
The Prayer Pantry: 1268 Martin Ave.
Free Little Pantry: 474 Garfield St
Hope On The Block: 19 W 1st St (located behind the Advocap building)
Covenant Methodist Church Little Free Pantry: 20 N Marr St (west side of parking lot).
Little Free Pantry: 204 S National Ave
The Caring Cottage: 213 E 1st St
American Legion Community Cabinet 500 Fond du Lac Ave (located in the foyer) Additional pantry available for veterans (ask for Jodie!) Open 7:30am-10pm

*All of these pantries are available to the public. Donations of shelf-stable food and hygiene products are always appreciated!"

Other helpful resources:

https://solutionsfdl.org

https://www.advocap.org/

https://skdsfdl.org

https://www.hffdl.org/warming-shelter/

https://newbeginningspregcare.org

https://www.fdlco.wi.gov/departments/departments-f-m/health-department#!

https://shpbeds.org/chapter/wi-fond-du-lac/

https://www.habitatfdl.org/

Author: Marlee Trapp