Get Food
Walk in. You are welcome here.
No appointment. No income test. No judgment. If you need food, we will help you find it.
Who qualifies
Anyone in Rice Lake or the surrounding Barron County area who needs food is welcome at our pantry. We do not require proof of income, employment status, immigration status, housing situation, or anything else. If you tell us you need help, we believe you and we help.
You do not need to qualify for SNAP, WIC, or any other government program to use the pantry. Many of our guests work full-time. Many are caring for parents or grandchildren. Many are between jobs, in school, or recovering from a medical event. Every story is welcome here.
How to receive food
- Walk in during open hours. Our doors are open during the times listed on this page. No appointment is needed for regular distribution.
- Check in with a volunteer. You will be greeted and asked for your name and the number of people in your household. We will explain how distribution works.
- Shop the pantry. Our shopping-style layout lets you choose what fits your tastes, dietary needs, and family size. Fresh produce, proteins, dairy, breads, pantry staples, and personal care items are usually available.
- Take it home. Bring reusable bags if you have them, or use ours. Most visits take fifteen to thirty minutes.
What to bring
Just yourself. A photo ID or piece of mail showing a local address is helpful for our records but is not required, and we never deny anyone for lack of documentation. If you are picking up for a family member or neighbor, that is fine — please bring their name and household size.
Service area
We serve all of Barron County, Wisconsin, and welcome neighbors from adjacent communities. If you live farther away, we are happy to refer you to a closer pantry through the Feeding America network.
Emergency food assistance
If you cannot wait for our next open distribution, call (715) 234-7866. We keep a small supply of emergency food boxes for situations that cannot wait until the next open day. Leave a voicemail if it is after hours; we return calls promptly.
Senior programs
Adults 60 and older are welcome at any distribution, and we host Saturday morning hours with priority service for seniors. Homebound seniors can request a monthly delivered food box through our senior outreach program. Call to enroll.
Family assistance
We tailor food choices to the size and needs of every family, including diapers and infant formula when available. Larger households are welcome to take additional staples; we never ration choice based on household size in a way that would shortchange parents.
Children's food programs
Our Weekend Backpack Program partners with Rice Lake area schools to send home a discreet bag of kid-friendly food on Fridays for children who depend on school meals during the week. Enrollment is coordinated through the schools; ask any teacher or counselor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to prove I need help?
No. We do not means-test guests. If you tell us you need food, we will help you.
Can I come if I have a job?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are working full time. Wages have not kept up with the cost of living, and pantries are part of how working families bridge the gap.
How often can I come?
Once a week is typical. If you have an urgent need or a large household, please talk to a volunteer — we are flexible.
Will my visit be confidential?
Yes. Your name and household size are kept private and used only for our internal records and grant reporting.
Can someone pick up for me?
Yes. Send a friend or neighbor with your name and household size.
Want to help fund the pantry?
Every $1 becomes roughly 4 meals on a family's table through our wholesale partnerships.