#pieinthefacechallenge (filling shelves for the hungry)
After seeing that the shelves were low at food pantry Soup or Socks, Marshfield Utilities and Marshfield Insurance Agency came together in a contest to see who could collect the most items.
The winners would get bragging rights, but the losers would get a pie in the face. To level the playing field given the difference in the number of employees, the winner would be determined by the average number of donations per person. Both business had a week to collect until Monday, October 29.
“Ultimately, the goal is for the community to win by helping to replenish the shelves at Soup Or Socks,” said Melissa Barnes, Human Resources Manager at Marshfield Utilities.
Marshfield Utilities emerged as the winner with fourteen people collecting 564 items for a per person average of just over 40 items. Marshfield Insurance had 100% participation, donating 200 items between 20 people for an average of 10 items per person. Altogether, 764 items will help fill the shelves at Soup or Socks.
The “losers,” Nick Arnoldy and Pete Lotzer of Marshfield Insurance, received a pie in the face on Thursday at Soup or Socks while dropping off the donations.
“My heart is full with the collection that Pete and Cathy Lotzer have coordinated for us,” said Cheryl Lewis Hartl, Soup or Socks Director. “We cannot thank them, Marshfield Utilities and Marshfield Insurance enough for taking what was a personal donation of food to the next level.”
Lewis Hartl was amazed by the number of donations collected, coming at a time when the pantry shelves were dipping precariously low. “If you check out our Facebook page, you will see that even our canned corn supply is low,” she said. “I do not think in my 21 years here I have ever seen that happen.”
Donations typically slow in fall before picking up again during the holiday season. Though fewer donations may come in, Soup or Socks sees a continued need for those who need a helping hand, helping 105 households this October. This amounts to 290 people and 4,350 meals, 62% more than last October. Though it’s a small pantry, the organization is a partner program of Marshfield Area United Way and mirrors their service area, which extends into Clark and Marathon Counties.
“I think it is important, for collections such as this one, for everyone to see that the need is right here in our area,” said Lewis Hartl. “This time of the year, when families are paying heating bills and getting winter clothing items needed for their household, money can run short in a small amount of time.”
The pantry sometimes had to ask people to come back the next day until the shelves could be restocked. In September, Soup or Socks spent their entire monthly allocation (which they receive in 12 installments) plus an additional $1,000 on food and clothing needs that weren’t in stock.
“We could not do what we do without the community support,” said Lewis Hartl.
Soup or Socks is located by 1st Presbyterian Church at 200 S Lincoln Ave, Marshfield. Food donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 12:30-3:30 p.m. or Friday 9-12 p.m. (or by appointment). Make sure to check expiration dates. Cash donations are also accepted and used toward pantry needs.
Hunger Action Month: 30-Item Challenge Fills Need for Soup or Socks
