Rhinelander Serves as Food Wagon Location

The following was seen in the August 2023 WVLS System newsletter

The Hodag Food Wagon is a community effort in Rhinelander that relies on partnerships among the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry, the YMCA of the Northwoods, and the UW Extension FoodWIse program. It is open and free to all children and youth with the goal of providing a little extra nutritional support during the summer when food insecurity for kids can increase.

This year, the Rhinelander District Library serves as the host site. Library Director Virginia Roberts said this partnership seemed like a natural fit when the site from last summer could no longer host.

"People equate the library with positive things,” she said. “We are connecting with people just as the Rhinelander Food Bank is.  We've also had a number of people get library cards because they are making a weekly trip to the food wagon.”  

The partnership is a win-win for both the library and the pantry.

"Partnering with the Rhinelander District Library is such a good fit. Kids can participate in the summer reading programs and access the services of the library. The food bags provided through the partnership contain healthy, kid-friendly foods,” said Courtney Smith, Rhinelander Area Food Pantry Associate Executive Director.

The Hodag Food Wagon started on July 6 and will run until August 24. In response to results of a recent community survey, it is available during evening hours from 4 pm to 6 pm to better serve the community.

Virginia said the set up for the program is convenient for the library.  The library promotes cards and programs to people who visit the Wagon, and eventually, a table for library card sign-ups will be outside.

"This year the library is supplying tables so there is more room for the food bags,” she said. “If it rains, the bags can be distributed inside the library. There were 103 bags given out the first week, and 130 during the second. There seems to be a larger response this year from working families seeking to make their finances stretch.” 

To learn more about the Hodag Food Wagon, contact Courtney Smith at the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry at 715-369-7237 or visit rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org.