If you are non-profit agency serving the low-income population of Portage County we invite you to share information about your agency with community members at the 12th annual Empty Bowls event.
Provided below is information from the Portage County Food Resource Guide, which is published annually by Portage County Health and Human Services. Please contact any of the agencies below if you are in need of food assistance or would like to make a donation to help them provide food to thousands of Portage County residents every year!
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
Crisis Assistance – Operation Bootstrap
(715) 344-7438
5000 Heffron Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Crisis Assistance provides individuals and families in need with items such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental assistance, house wares and more when their emergency needs cannot be met by another source. Crisis Assistance accepts referrals through intake at Portage County Health and Human Services, CAP Services, Red Cross, local churches, and schools. Office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Contact Portage County Health and Human Services Department for more information. There are no income eligibility guidelines.
Emergency Services Inc.
(715) 344-7438
1314 Main Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Emergency Services help individuals and families receive emergency resources such as food, shelter, and more. Individuals and families can walk in to get information or make request for services. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm. There are no income eligibility guidelines.
Hope Center – Salvation Army
(715) 341-2437
1600 Briggs Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Hope Center offers emergency assistance and a transitional living shelter. Emergency items such as clothing are also available. Three meals are available everyday of the week, seven days a week. On Friday nights, AA meals are available to anyone in the community. Food baskets are also available upon request. Anyone in need is welcome at the Hope Center and it is open 24 hours a day.
St. Paul’s Food Pantry – St. Paul Lutheran Church
(715) 344-5664
1919 Wyatt Ave.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
St. Paul Lutheran Church supplies individuals in urgent need with food baskets on needs that are assessed through a telephone interview. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm.
SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD ASSISTANCE:
Economic Support Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
817 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Economic Support Program provides FoodShare to eligible families along with other services such as Badger Care, Medical Assistance, and childcare subsidies. Office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am -8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm. Contact David Pagel for more information.
Food Assistance Program – St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store
(715) 344-7395
2700 Post Rd
Plover, WI 54467
The Food Assistance Program offers food to eligible individuals and families within Portage County that meet certain requirements. The Thrift Store office can supply interested individuals and families with more information. The food can be picked up at St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store every Tuesday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Contact the Program Director, at 341-1513.
Refugee Assistance – Portage County Health & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
814 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Refugee Assistance helps individuals and families make requests for food (FoodShare), childcare, financial assistance, and medical (Badger Care, Medical Asisstance) services. Contact David Pagel for more information.
Second Harvest – United Methodist Community
(715) 344-9192
2820 Plover Springs Dr
Plover, WI 54467
Second Harvest is a full pantry program serving individuals and families in need in the community. The pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Contact Mary at (715) 341-5655 for more information.
NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
Family Living Program, UW Extension
(715) 346-1321
1462 Strongs Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Family Living Program offers education to help build stronger families and communities and is available to everyone. Education ranges from financial assistance to building relationships to choosing a healthy diet. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm and you can call or stop in the office. Contact Pat Rychter for more information.
Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
817 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program offers WIC eligible individuals, families, and seniors age 60 and older vouchers that allow them to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market in downtown Stevens Point. Health education connecting fruit and vegetable consumption to disease prevention is also provided. Vouchers are distributed at designated times and locations. Call for income eligibility guidelines.
FoodShare – Portage County Health & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
817 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Food Stamp program assists individuals and families in buying nutritious food to build healthier lives. For information and an application, contact Health and Human Services. The office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm.
Healthy Beginnings – UW Extension
(715) 346-1316
1462 Strongs Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Healthy Beginnings offer parental guidance to first time parents and families. Nutritional information is available along with at-home assistance. Through to Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program, Healthy Beginnings offer education on managing food resources and nutrition to groups of individuals who struggle with basic food/nutrition needs. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm and referrals are made through St. Michael’s Hospital, Community Care of Portage County, public health nurses and pediatricians.
Home and Financial Management Services – Portage County Healthy & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
817 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Home and Financial Management Services offer a variety of programs that assist individuals and families with money management, budgeting, and teaching independent living skills such as healthy eating, proper parenting, and household organization. Participants can learn about proper food selection, food preperat9ion, and nutrition. Office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm and services are available based on a sliding fee to Portage County residents. Contact Jim Riggenbach for more information.
Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
(715) 345-5350
817 Whiting Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides healthy foods and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under 5 years of age healthy and strong. For eligibility requirements and more information, please call 345-5350 and ask for WIC. WIC hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am -12:00pm. To get income guidelines and learn more about WIC on the internet go to:www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/wic
HOLIDAY FOOD PROGRAMS:
Thanksgiving Dinner – Stevens Point Moose Family Center
(715) 344-3224
1025 Second Street North
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Moose Family Center also provides a free Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day to all. The Center appreciates a phone call if you are interested in attending the meal and deliveries are available upon request to residents within 15-20 miles of the Moose Family Center. Contact the lodge for more information.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner – Good Shepard Lutheran Church
(715) 341-6122
2000 Roosevelt Dr
Plover, WI 54467
Good Shepard Lutheran Church, St. Bronislava Church, Plover United Methodist Church, and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church cooperatively work together to provide a Thanksgiving Dinner open to everyone, served at St. Bronislava Church. Deliveries of meals are also available by calling Good Shepard Lutheran Church and making a request. For more information and time of the meal, contact Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Holiday Basket Project – Operation Bootstrap
5000 Heffron Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Holiday Basket Project provides baskets that include food and gifts (for children) for the holiday season. Individuals and families can apply at Portage County Health and Human Services by filling out an application. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact the Holiday Basket Project for more information at (715) 344-9950.
FOOD PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS:
Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, Inc.
(715) 341-0081
3057 Michigan Ave., Suite A
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to homebound elderly and disabled individuals in the community. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost. For areas served, please call during the office hours of Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Place of Peace
(715) 345-2345
First Baptist Church on Church Street, 2 1/3 blocks north of Belts
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Place of Peace offers a free meal to the community every Thursday starting at 5:00 pm. Place of Peace offers community support, friendly hospitality, and warm meals. For more information, please contact Bob Lechler at the Place of Peace or Rusty Mitch at 345-2662.
Senior Nutrition Program – Portage County Department on Aging
(715) 346-1401
1519 Water Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
The Nutrition Program is available for persons age 60 or over living in Portage County. The program serves group meals at seven sites throughout the county and there are no income requirements for this program. Homebound seniors, not able to attend a senior dining site, may receive home delivered meals. State approved waiver exceptions are available for disabled persons under 60 who would benefit from program participation. Education, recreation activities, and nutrition counseling are also part of the program. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost. Call the Department on Aging for meals site locations, serving days and times. Department hours are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm.
GROCERY ASSISTANCE:
Amherst Family Foods
(715) 824-5533
113 Christy Street
Amherst, WI 54406
Amherst Family Foods offers in-store assistance with grocery shopping. Deliveries are available upon request. Call Amherst Family Foods for more information.
Copps
Copps Food Centers offer free assisted shopping to Portage County residents by simply calling for an appointment and bringing a shopping list to that appointment. Copps also has nutrition and diet information available upon request to anyone. For more information about the Assisted Shopping Program, call your local Copps Food Center.
County Market
(715) 341-0200
prescription: (715) 341-6102
1600 Academy Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54481
On Tuesday and Wednesdays, between 8:00am and 10:00am, County Market offers grocery shopping assistance / deliveries upon request. Contact rthe service desk at County Market for more information. Prescription delivery for persons age 60 or over (or adults with disabilities) is available Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Deliveries are made within 20 miles of Stevens Point.
Department on Aging Grocery Shopping Bus Service
(715) 346-1401
1519 Water Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
For persons age 60 or over (or adults with disabilities), who live in Stevens Point, the Department on Aging buses provide transportation to a grocery store once weekly. (Special arrangements may be made for persons living outside the Stevens Point area). This service is for those who have no other way to obtain groceries and may need help carrying their bags. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost.
SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS:
The School Meal Programs are an attempt on behalf of the area schools and government to provide adequate nutritional meals for the students. All schools in Portage County have the Scholl Lunch Program available to students and the School Breakfast and Milk Program are at selected schools in the county. For more information on the programs and costs in your area, contact your local school.
Schools that participate in the School Breakfast Program in Portage County are:
Community Resources
Community Resources
If you are non-profit agency serving the low-income population of Portage County we invite you to share information about your agency with community members at the 12th annual Empty Bowls event.
Provided below is information from the Portage County Food Resource Guide, which is published annually by Portage County Health and Human Services. Please contact any of the agencies below if you are in need of food assistance or would like to make a donation to help them provide food to thousands of Portage County residents every year!
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
Crisis Assistance – Operation Bootstrap
Crisis Assistance provides individuals and families in need with items such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental assistance, house wares and more when their emergency needs cannot be met by another source. Crisis Assistance accepts referrals through intake at Portage County Health and Human Services, CAP Services, Red Cross, local churches, and schools. Office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Contact Portage County Health and Human Services Department for more information. There are no income eligibility guidelines.
Emergency Services Inc.
Emergency Services help individuals and families receive emergency resources such as food, shelter, and more. Individuals and families can walk in to get information or make request for services. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm. There are no income eligibility guidelines.
Hope Center – Salvation Army
The Hope Center offers emergency assistance and a transitional living shelter. Emergency items such as clothing are also available. Three meals are available everyday of the week, seven days a week. On Friday nights, AA meals are available to anyone in the community. Food baskets are also available upon request. Anyone in need is welcome at the Hope Center and it is open 24 hours a day.
St. Paul’s Food Pantry – St. Paul Lutheran Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church supplies individuals in urgent need with food baskets on needs that are assessed through a telephone interview. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm.
SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD ASSISTANCE:
Economic Support Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
The Economic Support Program provides FoodShare to eligible families along with other services such as Badger Care, Medical Assistance, and childcare subsidies. Office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am -8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm. Contact David Pagel for more information.
Food Assistance Program – St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store
The Food Assistance Program offers food to eligible individuals and families within Portage County that meet certain requirements. The Thrift Store office can supply interested individuals and families with more information. The food can be picked up at St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store every Tuesday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Contact the Program Director, at 341-1513.
Refugee Assistance – Portage County Health & Human Services
Refugee Assistance helps individuals and families make requests for food (FoodShare), childcare, financial assistance, and medical (Badger Care, Medical Asisstance) services. Contact David Pagel for more information.
Second Harvest – United Methodist Community
Second Harvest is a full pantry program serving individuals and families in need in the community. The pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Contact Mary at (715) 341-5655 for more information.
NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
Family Living Program, UW Extension
The Family Living Program offers education to help build stronger families and communities and is available to everyone. Education ranges from financial assistance to building relationships to choosing a healthy diet. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm and you can call or stop in the office. Contact Pat Rychter for more information.
Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program offers WIC eligible individuals, families, and seniors age 60 and older vouchers that allow them to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market in downtown Stevens Point. Health education connecting fruit and vegetable consumption to disease prevention is also provided. Vouchers are distributed at designated times and locations. Call for income eligibility guidelines.
FoodShare – Portage County Health & Human Services
The Food Stamp program assists individuals and families in buying nutritious food to build healthier lives. For information and an application, contact Health and Human Services. The office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm.
Healthy Beginnings – UW Extension
Healthy Beginnings offer parental guidance to first time parents and families. Nutritional information is available along with at-home assistance. Through to Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program, Healthy Beginnings offer education on managing food resources and nutrition to groups of individuals who struggle with basic food/nutrition needs. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm and referrals are made through St. Michael’s Hospital, Community Care of Portage County, public health nurses and pediatricians.
Home and Financial Management Services – Portage County Healthy & Human Services
Home and Financial Management Services offer a variety of programs that assist individuals and families with money management, budgeting, and teaching independent living skills such as healthy eating, proper parenting, and household organization. Participants can learn about proper food selection, food preperat9ion, and nutrition. Office hours are Monday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm and services are available based on a sliding fee to Portage County residents. Contact Jim Riggenbach for more information.
Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program – Portage County Health & Human Services
The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides healthy foods and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under 5 years of age healthy and strong. For eligibility requirements and more information, please call 345-5350 and ask for WIC. WIC hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am -12:00pm. To get income guidelines and learn more about WIC on the internet go to:www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/wic
HOLIDAY FOOD PROGRAMS:
Thanksgiving Dinner – Stevens Point Moose Family Center
The Moose Family Center also provides a free Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day to all. The Center appreciates a phone call if you are interested in attending the meal and deliveries are available upon request to residents within 15-20 miles of the Moose Family Center. Contact the lodge for more information.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner – Good Shepard Lutheran Church
Good Shepard Lutheran Church, St. Bronislava Church, Plover United Methodist Church, and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church cooperatively work together to provide a Thanksgiving Dinner open to everyone, served at St. Bronislava Church. Deliveries of meals are also available by calling Good Shepard Lutheran Church and making a request. For more information and time of the meal, contact Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Holiday Basket Project – Operation Bootstrap
The Holiday Basket Project provides baskets that include food and gifts (for children) for the holiday season. Individuals and families can apply at Portage County Health and Human Services by filling out an application. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact the Holiday Basket Project for more information at (715) 344-9950.
FOOD PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS:
Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point, Inc.
The Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to homebound elderly and disabled individuals in the community. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost. For areas served, please call during the office hours of Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Place of Peace
Place of Peace offers a free meal to the community every Thursday starting at 5:00 pm. Place of Peace offers community support, friendly hospitality, and warm meals. For more information, please contact Bob Lechler at the Place of Peace or Rusty Mitch at 345-2662.
Senior Nutrition Program – Portage County Department on Aging
The Nutrition Program is available for persons age 60 or over living in Portage County. The program serves group meals at seven sites throughout the county and there are no income requirements for this program. Homebound seniors, not able to attend a senior dining site, may receive home delivered meals. State approved waiver exceptions are available for disabled persons under 60 who would benefit from program participation. Education, recreation activities, and nutrition counseling are also part of the program. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost. Call the Department on Aging for meals site locations, serving days and times. Department hours are Monday through Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm.
GROCERY ASSISTANCE:
Amherst Family Foods
Amherst Family Foods offers in-store assistance with grocery shopping. Deliveries are available upon request. Call Amherst Family Foods for more information.
Copps
Copps Food Centers offer free assisted shopping to Portage County residents by simply calling for an appointment and bringing a shopping list to that appointment. Copps also has nutrition and diet information available upon request to anyone. For more information about the Assisted Shopping Program, call your local Copps Food Center.
County Market
On Tuesday and Wednesdays, between 8:00am and 10:00am, County Market offers grocery shopping assistance / deliveries upon request. Contact rthe service desk at County Market for more information. Prescription delivery for persons age 60 or over (or adults with disabilities) is available Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Deliveries are made within 20 miles of Stevens Point.
Department on Aging Grocery Shopping Bus Service
For persons age 60 or over (or adults with disabilities), who live in Stevens Point, the Department on Aging buses provide transportation to a grocery store once weekly. (Special arrangements may be made for persons living outside the Stevens Point area). This service is for those who have no other way to obtain groceries and may need help carrying their bags. Individuals donate as much as they can afford towards the cost.
SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS:
The School Meal Programs are an attempt on behalf of the area schools and government to provide adequate nutritional meals for the students. All schools in Portage County have the Scholl Lunch Program available to students and the School Breakfast and Milk Program are at selected schools in the county. For more information on the programs and costs in your area, contact your local school.
Schools that participate in the School Breakfast Program in Portage County are:
Almond
Amherst
Junction City
Rosholt
Stevens Point
EVENT INFORMATION
EMPTY BOWLS OCTOBER 21, 2023
11 AM TO 2 PM
STEVENS POINT AREA SENIOR HIGH
1201 N POINT DR STEVENS POINT WI
VOLUNTEER WITH EMPTY BOWLS
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER