Responding to Rising Needs
By the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation team
November 5, 2025 — A recent survey* of nonprofits serving Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties reveals a challenging landscape marked by rising demand and shrinking resources. More than 70% of respondents reported an increase in the demand for their services, while nearly half are struggling to meet operational costs.
These numbers reflect more than financial strain; they signal a growing gap between what our communities need and what nonprofits can provide. And while food insecurity wasn’t the focus of the survey conducted by a partnership of Northeast Wisconsin funders including the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, it has emerged as one of the most urgent community needs.
When families can’t access enough food, the consequences ripple outward. Children face barriers to learning. Seniors experience declining health. Working adults are forced to choose between groceries, rent, and healthcare.
Meeting the Need
In the face of these challenges, local organizations and neighbors are coming together to meet the need. While some efforts are well known, others, especially culturally specific outreach and rural pantry networks, are less visible but equally vital.
The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation works alongside a wide network of partners who are actively responding to urgent community needs. These organizations are making an impact every day:
- Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County – Offering daily lunches and home-delivered meals for older adults.
- Algoma Public Schools’ Wolf Den & Food Assistance Backpack Program – Supporting students and families with essential food resources.
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay – Ensuring children have access to nutritious meals.
- COMSA, We All Rise: African American Resource Center, and Casa Alba Melanie – Delivering culturally specific food and support.
- Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Paul’s Pantry, and De Pere Christian Outreach – Longstanding partners in fighting hunger across the region.
- Kingdom Come, Inc, Kewaunee County Food Pantry, Denmark Community Cupboard, Bread by the Bay, Pulaski Community Pantry, and The Nurse’s Nook Inc. – Anchors in our rural food ecosystem.
- New Community Shelter – Providing meals and shelter for those in crisis.
- Oneida Nation Emergency Food Pantry – Supporting Indigenous food access and sustainability.
- Rooted In Inc. – Community-driven solutions for food equity.
- Salvation Army Green Bay – Noon lunch services and emergency food support.
- Wello – Acting as both a connector and direct service provider for food access.
How You Can Help
Your support makes a meaningful difference for those in need. Here are some ways to help:
- Donate: Support local organizations directly.
- Volunteer: Many nonprofits need reliable help. Reach out to offer your skills in areas where help is needed.
- Share: Public awareness is one of the biggest barriers nonprofits face. Amplify their voices through social media or spread the word with friends and family.
- Participate: Support local food drives and fundraisers that are happening across the community.
If you’d like help identifying a specific organization or initiative to support, please contact our team.
Community Response and Resources
- With FoodShare delays, here’s how you can donate food, volunteer at pantries in Green Bay area – Green Bay Press Gazette
- Northeast Wisconsin communities rally to ensure no one goes hungry during SNAP uncertainty – WLUK Fox 11
- Green Bay nonprofit and Packers’ food vendor help feed community with game day leftovers – WLUK Fox 11
- Northeast Wisconsin food pantries step up as shutdown delays benefits – WFRV Channel 5
- Northeast Wisconsin food pantries are managing an unprecedented need – Spectrum News
- Hunger on the Rise: Wisconsin families caught in SNAP benefits limbo – WGBA NBC 26
*Nonprofit survey conducted in October 2025 by Northeast Wisconsin funders, including Greater Green Bay Community Foundation
