It’s hard to imagine walking into the grocery store and not knowing if you’ll have enough to fill your cart. But for many families across our region, that’s the reality right now.
Week after week, our partner programs are seeing more people come through the doors of food pantries — families who never thought they’d need help. Parents working full-time but unable to keep up with rising grocery costs. Seniors stretching their budgets until there’s nothing left. And neighbors who once donated to food drives are now finding themselves in line at a food pantry.
Our Executive Director, Shelly Fortner, found the best description, it‘s a “perfect storm.”
The timing of this year’s Virtual Food Drive couldn’t be more critical. Food insecurity continues to climb, fueled by higher food prices, increased demand, and recent cuts to vital safety net programs like expanded SNAP (food assistance) benefits. For many households, the end of those expanded benefits was the tipping point — the difference between getting by and going without.
Our community’s need has grown, but our mission remains the same: to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. And that’s where you come in.
Every Dollar You Give Truly Makes A Difference
Now through the end of October, your support during our 3rd Annual Virtual Food Drive helps fill pantry shelves, stock youth programs, and deliver meals to families right here in our region. And thanks to a generous anonymous match donor, your gift will be doubled — up to $5,000 — allowing your generosity to go twice as far.
That means your $25 becomes $50, feeding twice as many families.
Your $100 becomes $200, helping ensure food is there when people need it most.
A Little Fun with a Big Impact
We know times are tough — but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring some fun to the fight against hunger. 
This year, we’ve added a lighthearted twist:
- When donations reach $30,000, our Programs Coordinator Nicole will get pied in the face!
- And when we hit $50,000, our Executive Director Shelly will join the fun!
It’s all in good spirit, but behind the whipped cream and laughter lies a serious truth — the need is real, and the impact of your donation is immediate.
Be Part of the Solution
When you give to the Virtual Food Drive, you’re not just donating money — you’re providing comfort, stability, and dignity to neighbors facing one of life’s most basic challenges. You’re helping parents pack lunches, ensuring seniors have enough to eat, and giving families one less thing to worry about.
This is a moment that calls for community. A moment to show up for one another. And a moment to turn compassion into action.
Join us today at Lacrossehtf.org/fooddrive to donate, share, and help spread the word. Your support means twice the meals, twice the impact, and a stronger, more caring community for all.
Together, we can weather this perfect storm — and make sure no one faces hunger alone.