Bringing Hope to the Table: Bachrodt Baraboo Motors Hosts Annual Feed the Need Food Drive to Support Sauk County Families

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the holiday season approaches, the community of Baraboo, Wisconsin is once again coming together for an important cause – feeding those in need. On November 22nd, 2024, Bachrodt Baraboo Motors will be hosting its annual “Feed the Need” food drive, collecting vital supplies to support the Pathway Home homeless shelter and food pantry.

For many families in Sauk County, putting nutritious meals on the table is an ongoing struggle. The past few years have only heightened this challenge, as the lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have left more individuals and households facing food insecurity. “We see the need growing each year in our community,” explains Tracy Beyer, Marketing Director at Bachrodt Baraboo Motors. “That’s why it’s so important that we come together as neighbors to make a difference.”

The Pathway Home shelter, the only one of its kind in Sauk County, is currently at full capacity serving 25 people, with a waitlist of nearly 100 more. “These are our friends, our coworkers, our classmates – they’re part of the fabric of this community,” says Beyer. “By supporting the Feed the Need drive, we have an opportunity to provide them with the basic necessities we so often take for granted.”

Event Details:
Date: November 22, 2024
Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Bachrodt Baraboo Motors, 640 WI-136, Baraboo, WI 53913
Contact: Tracy Beyer, Marketing Director, tracy.beyer@bachrodt.com

The Growing Need for Food Assistance in Sauk County

According to Feeding America, food insecurity affects 1 in 8 individuals in Wisconsin, with Sauk County mirroring these troubling statistics. A 2022 report by Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin found that 13.3% of Sauk County residents are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life.

How the Feed the Need Food Drive Makes an Impact

The annual Feed the Need food drive is a collaborative effort between Bachrodt Baraboo Motors, Pathway Home, and the broader Baraboo community. The event, now in its 7th year, has become a cherished holiday tradition that brings people together to support their fellow citizens in need.

In 2023, the food drive collected over 5,000 pounds of non-perishable items and raised more than $8,000 in monetary donations. These critical supplies allowed Pathway Home to stock its pantry shelves and provide meals throughout the winter months.

“The impact of this event goes far beyond just filling bellies,” explains Beyer. “It’s about restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of community for families who are going through incredibly difficult times. A warm meal, a box of cereal, or a jar of peanut butter – these simple things can make all the difference.”

Ways to Get Involved in the 2024 Feed the Need Food Drive

There are numerous ways the public can get involved and contribute to the 2023 Feed the Need food drive:

1. Donate Non-Perishable Food Items: Canned goods, dry pasta, peanut butter, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and more are all welcome donations that will go directly to families in need.
2. Make a Monetary Donation: Cash donations allow the organizers to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and protein items that are essential for balanced meals but aren’t always donated.
3. Volunteer: Lend a hand sorting, packing, and distributing the collected items. Every volunteer makes a meaningful impact.

The Impact of Your Donation

Every contribution to the Feed the Need food drive, whether it’s a can of beans or a monetary gift, has the power to change lives. Here’s a closer look at the difference your support can make:

Donation Item	Impact
$1	Provides 3 meals for an individual in need
$10	Supplies a family of four with breakfast for a week
$25	Buys a week’s worth of fresh produce and dairy for a household
1 can of tuna	Adds a nutritious protein source to a meal
1 box of cereal	Provides a filling breakfast for a child
1 jar of peanut butter	Offers a shelf-stable source of protein and healthy fats

“When we come together as a community, we have the power to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Beyer affirms. “No one should have to go hungry, especially during the holiday season. I encourage everyone in Baraboo to join us in sharing hope and nourishment with our neighbors in need.”

The Pathway Home Pantry Wish List

In addition to non-perishable food items, the Pathway Home shelter is also in need of the following supplies to stock their on-site pantry:

• Ziplock bags (sandwich, quart, gallon)
• Applesauce pouches
• Yogurt pouches
• Canned tuna fish
• Canned chicken
• Cooking oils (olive and canola)
• Crackers
• Salt and pepper
• Spices and herbs
• Granola bars
• Cereal bars
• Meals in a box
• Precooked rice
• Canned vegetables (with pop-tops)
• Canned fruits (with pop-tops)
• Trail mix
• Mac and cheese
• Beef jerky
• Dry dog and cat food
• Baby formula
• Infant cereal
• Pouches of baby food
• Popcorn
• Ramen noodles
• Cup of noodles
• Boxed stuffing
• Gravy
• Soups (chicken noodle, chicken & stars, tomato, vegetable, vegetable beef, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of celery)
• Biscuit mix
• Alfredo sauce
• Spaghetti sauce (with meat)
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Salsa
• BBQ sauce
• Ravioli and SpaghettiOs
• Flour
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Juice boxes
• Squeeze bottle jams or jelly
• Squeeze bottle of peanut butter or kinds of nut butters
• Pudding cups
• Gatorade

By donating items from this wish list, you can help ensure that the Pathway Home pantry is well-stocked and able to provide nutritious meals and snacks to those in need throughout the winter months.

The Power of Community Comes Together

The annual Feed the Need food drive is more than just a collection of canned goods and monetary donations – it’s a testament to the incredible generosity and compassion of the Baraboo community.

“This event brings people together in a way that’s truly inspiring,” says Beyer. “Whether it’s a family cleaning out their pantry, a local business making a financial contribution, or a group of volunteers sorting and packing supplies, everyone is playing a vital role in making a difference.”

The outpouring of support from the community has been essential to the food drive’s success over the years. In 2022 alone, nearly 100 volunteers donated their time and energy to make the event a resounding success. Local businesses have also stepped up, with Bachrodt Baraboo Motors providing the event space and logistical support, and other sponsors contributing funds, promotion, and in-kind donations.

“When you see the shelves at Pathway Home stocked with nutritious food, and the smiles on the faces of the families who receive it, that’s when you realize the true power of what we can accomplish together,” Beyer reflects. “This isn’t just about collecting cans – it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for our neighbors in need.”

Join the Fight Against Food Insecurity in Sauk County

The Feed the Need food drive is a shining example of how a community can come together to address a pressing social issue. By supporting this annual event, you’re not just making a one-time donation – you’re becoming part of a movement that is transforming lives and strengthening the fabric of Baraboo.

Whether you can contribute a monetary gift, organize a food drive at your workplace or place of worship, or volunteer your time on November 22nd, every effort makes a tangible difference. By working side-by-side to fill the pantry shelves and stock the fridges at Pathway Home, we’re sending a powerful message: in this community, no one goes hungry.

As the holiday season approaches and we reflect on the things we’re grateful for, let’s make sure that access to nutritious food is at the top of the list. Join us on November 22nd for the Feed the Need food drive, and let’s bring hope to the tables of Sauk County families in need.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Tracy Beyer at tracy.beyer@bachrodt.com or visit the event page.

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