WAFER, Inc.

Annual Report

January 1-December 31, 2015

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Dear Friends, Each day hundreds of families and individuals come to WAFER seeking food assistance. Those who

work with hungry people know that “food insecurity” (defined by the World Health Organization as limited or no

access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life) varies in severity due to individual

circumstances including employment status, disability, and where they live. I feel strongly that food insecurity affects many other areas of life and limits personal growth for the people we serve.

The work that is accomplished each and every day can be life changing for some of the people who use

WAFER services. Staff and volunteers experience these life changing moments. We can’t help but to

share some of the real stories we hear or the things we see. These are the moments that change our

lives too. I want to share some of the things that I have seen or heard.

Teen mother’s splurge

One day last spring I was working in my office and overheard a teen mother talking to a

mentor/caseworker/program staff who had brought her in. I know this young ladies story or at least

what brought her to WAFER in the first place. She lives with her mother, brothers, and her toddler

son. She first came to WAFER when there wasn’t enough food in the house to feed everyone and her

mom was too proud to come to WAFER. At first we were able to give her food for her and her son, but

eventually for everyone in the household once the mother gave her permission and address

documentation.

Back to this spring. I could hear her having a casual conversation with this worker and I was intrigued

when I heard her ask, “Do you know what the last thing was that I splurged on? I bought a $6 pair of

shoes for (her son).” $6. $6!!!! She considered $6 to be a splurge. Yet you or I may not think twice

about dropping $6 on a morning coffee, a lunch out, or some other frivolous purchase. However, to

this teen $6 was a splurge and one that would likely be useless in a matter of weeks when the shoes

became too small.

Mother of many small children

Sharing personal stories whether happy or filled with struggle doesn’t happen too often. Coming to

WAFER is a humbling experience all on its own without throwing all that is happening in life into the

mix.

I had chatted with one mother of many small children. I don’t know how many she has had since I

started working here 3 years ago, but it seemed that every time she came in there was another one on

the way. She is a beautiful woman and her children are equally beautiful. Her and her boyfriend

appeared over the moon happy with their family. One day when she came in I struck up a

conversation with her as she waited in line for her food. I asked her how things were going, noticing

fewer children than normal. She became silent. Tears appeared in her eyes as she told me she had

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kicked her boyfriend out. Things were tough, financially very tough, and she was lonely for adult

contact. Our conversation ended there, or so I thought.

After getting her food and taking it to her car she came back wanting to talk in my office. She told me

her story, the whole thing. Through the tears she told me should couldn’t take the emotional battery

of the relationship, dishonesty, and so much more. It had been weeks since she had seen him and was

feeling stronger and more confident. Things were turning around for her, she was confident life could

get better. But, what does this have to do with WAFER? She told me that finances were really tight, so

much so that food became one of those “choices”, food vs shelter, food vs heat, food vs medical care.

Though the choice to come to WAFER was an easy one and she knew that we would be here to make

sure her kids were fed. As our conversation ended I encouraged her to make use of the resources

available in our community. I haven’t seen her for several months now so perhaps things really did

turn around for her.

Always thankful

Like clockwork each month a particularly average client comes in for a food package. He doesn’t stand

out in a crowd as overly loud, he doesn’t ever create a scene, and despite his tall stature he wouldn’t

hurt a fly. I enjoy our brief encounters. Each time he asks my name, tells me his (even though I already

know what it is), explains that he is terrible with remembering names, and then……..”Thank you for

WAFER.” Every month! Every month he thanks me, he thanks the volunteers who help him, he thanks

the people who check him in, he thanks anyone associated with helping. I don’t really know his story

much beyond these similar encounters each month, but what I do know is that he is genuinely

appreciative for all WAFER has done and continues to do for him. He brings a smile to many faces

when he comes in and even though he can’t ever remember my name he brings a smile to my face

each time too.

The many voicemails

Much like the thankfulness described in the last story this one is also about gratitude. Many of our

clients have special diets they follow due to health issues, medication interactions, food allergies, and

more. It is no secret to a select group of clients that I too have food allergies. We chat about what

products are good, recent recipes we have tried, where to get the best deal for a particular item, or

where to find the foods we need. Understanding the significant issues surrounding food allergies I

have been pretty adamant about trying to accommodate as much as possible. Having to eat a certain

diet (and not choosing to because it is some fad) really hits the pocketbook hard. For instance, a loaf

of bread at a local convenience store will run ~$1, but a smaller loaf of gluten free bread is typically

~$6. This is just one item, imagine what it would be like to swap out all your traditional staples for

other staples that meet your dietary restrictions.

We have a few clients who have celiac disease. One in particular was recently diagnosed, doctoring

frequently, unable to afford gluten free products, and pretty sick. She found out that we have a special

section where we take our gluten free items to make sure they are available when the clients who

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need them come in. Since she started making use of this section her health has dramatically improved,

so much in fact that she doesn’t have to return to her doctor for a year.

The thing about this woman in particular is that even before we were helping her in this huge way she

would call and leave a message on my voicemail after every visit and every food fair. She would thank

me for all the wonderful foods and a great variety, sometimes even mentioning a particular item she

was excited to have received. She still calls and leaves voicemail messages after every food package,

but now she also thanks me for the gluten free foods and her renewed health.

These stories are just a snippet of all that staff and volunteers hear and see each day. It is great to be

involved in an organization that really can be life changing for some people. I suppose that is why a

core group of people keep coming back to help, loyal volunteers. These folks are generous with their

time, often give financially or food items, are quick to offer help in whatever way is most meaningful,

and compassionately serve on the frontline. I thank our volunteers often because without them the

impact that would be made would be so much less. I also thank our volunteers because sometimes

working on the frontline isn’t easy. They oftentimes deal with people emotionally battered, exhausted

from just trying to survive, dealing with mental illness, humiliated by asking for help, grouchy about

their circumstances, or just plain difficult. WAFER volunteers give nearly 1000 hours every month.

1000 hours!

Some of our volunteers come once or twice a week while others come one or two times month. Some

volunteers spend winters in warmer places, but pick right back up when they come back to Wisconsin.

There are other volunteers who only work special events, have one particular duty, work only at food

fairs, or tell us to call when we are shorthanded. Whatever the special circumstances are for each

volunteer there is one thing I am certain about, WAFER is what it is today because of volunteers. I do

thank our volunteers though “thank you” doesn’t seem to be quite sufficient, but then again none of

them are here for the thanks.

Here are just some of the volunteers and the various ways they serve WAFER.

Chuck is a regular volunteer at the Food Fair who

helps with everything; setup, teardown, check-in,

driving the forklift, and more.

Doug and Barb have been volunteering for 1 ½ years.

Every Wednesday they are here (and sometimes

Thursdays too when we are shorthanded).

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This is Al. I have no idea how long he has been volunteering

because he just shows up to help wherever needed. He helps at

the Food Fair in West Salem and now that he is retired he

comes in frequently to help in the warehouse.

Peggi (also known as the “Bread Lady”) and Mike

help at Food Fairs. Peggi is great at recruiting more

help for the Food Fairs when we are running short on

helpers. She is exceptionally funny and can move

bread out like no one else in an auctioneer fashion.

Dale and Mary are the “little bit of this, little bit of that”

volunteers. Dale helps deliver Senior Share food packages

once a month and they both are “special events” volunteers.

They represent WAFER at community events, food collections,

fundraisers, or however needed.

Angie has been a regular volunteer for years. Born with Spina

Bifida and wheelchair bound, nothing can stop Angie from

volunteering. She helps by repackaging bulk items, records

weights during deliveries, stocks the shelves, and is a huge morale

booster for staff and volunteers.

Stacy, Dan, and their two boys have been

volunteering for more than 6 years. They come in

one to two times a month, usually in the evenings,

as a family to help. They are willing to do

absolutely anything!

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Ben comes in one to two evenings each week. This junior in

High School started volunteering while in Middle School. He

has been here so long that many new volunteers ask Ben for

direction. He gets to work the minute he walks in the door

and works hard until he is done for the night. There isn’t

anything Ben won’t do and his positive attitude helps create a

great environment for all.

Lou has volunteered a long time for WAFER, so

long that he was around before our computer system.

He figures it has been 17 or 18 years! Lou works

every Monday, brings boxes on Tuesdays, and

coordinates food drives/collections at his church.

This guy is all about WAFER and even had the

opportunity represent WAFER and travel to the

Packers Stadium to accept a grant award.

Dale has volunteered for nearly 10 years. He usually

helps clients to assemble their food package, but is

willing to do just about anything. He frequently

helps pack Senior Share food packages and sort

through donated foods.

Brad is a member of the Board of Directors, but he

and his family can most often be found lending a

hand at each Food Fair. Each one is so unbelievably

kindhearted, compassionate, giving, hardworking,

and accepting of everyone. They can often be heard

giving an encouraging word, an ear for listening, and

a genuine smile.

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Each fall WAFER can apply for program funding through the United Way. Part of that application involves

sharing a “success story” from a program participant. Typically three success stories are chosen and used in the

next years fundraising campaign video. This year, a former WAFER client turned donor and champion of

WAFER’s cause was chosen.

Meme (me•me) Mihalovic was living the dream. She and her husband and their two teenage sons lived on a beautiful, tree-lined street in Onalaska. Meme had worked in the insurance industry for 13 years, and her husband was a nurse. But then Meme lost her job, and her husband became the family’s sole bread-winner. When low census hit and there simply weren’t enough sick people to care for, her husband’s hours were reduced. The family’s dreams turned to nightmares, as they tried to make ends meet on a limited and unreliable income. Meme’s family didn’t qualify for most government assistance programs because the minimal unemployment compensation she received put them just over the limit. As Meme describes it, they were “poor, but not poor enough.” Finances were completely strapped, and those State and Federal requirements weren’t considering one very important factor: Meme’s eldest son is Autistic. When Meme felt pressure to choose food over medication or food over therapy, she knew where to turn. United Way helps fund WAFER’s Food Pantry program. Visiting the pantry allowed Meme to keep food on the shelves at home with two growing boys. Additionally, the healthy food options offered by WAFER, such as fresh produce, helped Meme better manage her son’s disorder. A healthy diet is a key component to living with Autism. Meme says that the most beneficial thing about WAFER was that monthly trips there allowed her to stretch her food budget. Those trips were the difference between paying a bill or forgoing a necessary doctor’s appointment, which had dire consequences for her son and a trickle-down effect on the emotional well-being of the entire family. With one less thing to worry about, Meme was able to concentrate on returning to school, and she now works with adults who have long-term care needs. The Mihalovics believe in giving back, and they have organized several drives for WAFER, one of which collected more than 200 pounds of donations in one day. Because of you, families like Meme’s – who were once in need themselves – are able to give back.

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Another interesting aspect to this year’s United Way campaign is that it featured many of the directors

of the agencies that partner with the United Way. WAFER receives funding for the largest two

programs in operation. It isn’t every day that we are able to thank our generous community for their

support all together.

Board President, Taylor, competed in an Ironman Competition using the event as a way to raise

awareness about the importance of good nutrition for everyone and jumpstart fundraising for the

Nutrition Education and Tools (NET) Project. The Franke Foundation offered to match funds donated

up to $20,000 and thanks to our generous community we received that match.

Funding for NET allows WAFER to collaborate with many educational partners to offer critical nutrition

education, food preparation skills demonstration, and provide the tools needed to successfully

implement new skills at home. Many of WAFER’s clients lack basic kitchen tools, not even owning

something as simple as a can opener. With these funds (and grant funding from Home Depot) the

kitchen remodel has been completed.

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Remaining funds will be used to support programming by purchasing the equipment/tools participants

need for successful home implementation. To date, generous educational partners have donated their

expertise and have volunteered their time in planning and presenting the classes. The following

partners have offered one or more education sessions: Viterbo University Dietetics, Gundersen Health

System Dietitians, Mayo Health System Dietitians, and UW-Extension WNEP Educators.

Upcoming classes will focus on food preparation skills, making healthy choices, and heart healthy

foods. Participants will receive a variety of equipment/tools dependent on the class they attend; knife,

cutting board, and baking sheet, stockpot, vegetable chopper, and ingredients for a recipe to make a

topic related meal at home.

Classes are advertised through a variety of methods; posted in the WAFER lobby and verbally discussed

with clients, flyers are posted on the WAFER website under the “NET” tab, flyers and information is

shared on the WAFER Facebook page, and flyers are emailed to senior centers, La Crosse Aging Unit,

WIC, AMOS, United Way (to share with partner agencies), The Parenting Place, and UW-Extension

WNEP.

The initial proposal, budget, fundraising campaign, upcoming classes, and more can be found on the

WAFER website under the “NET” tab. As always, I am happy to answer any questions regarding this

program, prospective partners, expansion, etc.

WAFER staff conducted an evaluation for the Senior Share program. The questions addressed through

this evaluation were:

1. Do you receive FoodShare? If no, would you be interested in information on how to sign up?

2. How long have you receive senior share?

3. What types of foods or products you receive in your package are helpful?

4. What types of foods or products would you like to see less of?

5. What types of foods or products would you like to see added or more of it?

6. How long does the food usually last you?

7. Are the milk coupons helpful?

8. Are you using your food fair ticket?

9. Do you have suggestions for how we could make the program better for you and other

participants?

10. If you did not get a food package delivered to you would that impact you?

The results regarding the questions about food were about what our staff expected them to be, a

smattering of answers that really are about personal preference. The response to question 6 regarding

the length of time the food usually lasts (which is supposed to be 3-4 day) was surprising when the

majority of respondents reported stretching the food 1-4 weeks.

There were a few suggestions to make the program better, but the majority of the respondents were so

appreciative for everything the program provided. What shocked staff the most were the responses to

question 10. We knew the program impacted the people who were enrolled, but I don’t think any of us

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really understood the full impact. The following responses are but a few of the MANY that further

solidifies the undeniable impact this program makes:

“I would have to order more groceries to be delivered, I don’t have a car.”

“I would stretch or skip one meal.”

“I would have less food and would make it harder to make my food last.”

“I would make it with sales, cheaper food, frozen at store, but Wafer really helps.”

“I ration the food stuff to be certain there will be enough for each day.”

“I would starve.”

“I would have to skip meals.”

“Helps very much when you only get 16.00 of food stamps.”

“It would make it very hard for me. I’d have to skip meals due to transportation problems getting

to the food pantry.”

“I would go without.”

“I would go hungry.”

“I would make due.”

“I will skip meals to make my food last.”

“I have co pay to the hospital, because I have to see the heart doctors and cpap machine, I have

heart disease.”

“I am on a fixed income, so at the end of the month its nice to have food from your program.”

“Getting toward the end of the month I would probably be checking to see what I would be

eating.”

“More money would have to be spent on groceries and I don’t have extra money.”

“Skip meals, go hungry a lot of day.”

“I don’t know what I’d do I’m having issues right now.”

“I would probably not eat healthy, make food budget tighter.”

“If I didn’t get WAFER I’d be in big trouble, I have to skip meals now because I don’t get much

food stamps and SS income.”

“I couldn’t come myself due to transportation and physical limitations.”

“I already skip meals to stretch what I have due to the huge amount of medications I take,

payment for these is my top priority.”

“I’d lose weight and be ornery cause of hunger, couldn’t think straight or function properly.”

I think responses tell the full story of our senior population. It is a program worth investing in, don’t

you agree?

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More highlights from 2015

Local Boy Scouts (Troop 21 from Brice Prairie) volunteering for the Food Fair

Minnesota Corrugated Box has a moving WAFER “billboard” on one of their tractor trailers. They just want to help educate the public about WAFER’s services.

Board Members, Jerry Saterbak and Lee Bluske, traveled to Green Bay to accept a grant award from the Green Bay Packer Foundation. This grant will help support Feeding Today’s Youth for Bangor students.

We had great help for the annual “Letter Carriers Food Drive” held the second Saturday of May.

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Bethany Evangelical Free Youth Group volunteered for the November Food Fair. ISG and 201 Main St Businesses created an unique display for the Christmas season for the 3rd year in a row. This display is built all from food cans/boxes and was donated after Christmas.

Board President, Taylor Haley, completed Ironman Texas in May.

A Girl Scout Troop put together “Birthday Bags” containing cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, balloons, a birthday card, and a toy for children. The bags are given to the parents the month of their birthday to make sure they have the supplies needed for a party.

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As I put together the Annual Report we are once again in the midst of a cold snap. It never ceases to amaze me how people don’t have the proper winter wear. As our staff tells the stories for those we serve (regarding lack of winter wear), our community has heard these and responded. We have a container of winter gear for children, youth, and adults, which will hopefully be enough to get us through the winter. I can’t tell you how overjoyed the people are when we are able to give them a pair of gloves, a hat, or even a set including a scarf. On an early January day one woman just stood at the front desk with all of her new winter wear on, seemingly in awe of this huge gift. WAFER staff, volunteers, and board members further the mission of the organization for the people it serves. WAFER is blessed with food procurement resources and a community of generous donors. As I think about all the different ways people benefit through WAFER, I also think that WAFER is more than “just” a food pantry. Listening to the people gives us the opportunity to hear the varying needs and respond if we can. For some it is providing a hat, some liquid supplement for a disabled child, or a pair of socks. These seem like inconsequential things, but to the recipient these things can make life just a little better. Making life just a little better is great! WAFER will celebrate its’ 30th anniversary this year. 30 years!!! For 30 years people in our local communities have been fed. That’s pretty incredible, but it is only possible because of people like you! Time, talent, gifts of money or food, and the numerous other ways in which you benefit your neighbors in need haven’t gone unnoticed. The success WAFER achieves every day is something you can take credit for. You make (and have made) WAFER what it is! You are responsible for putting food on the table for a family that might otherwise not eat! You are the hands and feet of love! In Service,

Erin Waldhart Executive Director

Mission Statement

Responding to God’s love, WAFER provides food and works to eliminate hunger.

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2015 Board of Directors

Taylor Haley President Mike Voss Vice-president Don Smith Secretary Lee Bluske Treasurer

Brad Clarkin Brad Dinsmoor Sally Friend Dennis Herricks

Jerry Saterbak Judy Siefert Dorothy Stroschein

Dedicated to fighting hunger in La Crosse County since 1986 VISION Statement

WAFER is committed to addressing hunger related needs in La Crosse County, while treating each person with personalized service and dignity. We will procure food, develop resources, and collaborate with other programs, organizations, and businesses to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in our area. We will strive for effective stewardship of resources in order to provide successful food assistance programs. Over the course of the next five years, WAFER will be working to reach those in our population most at risk, children and seniors. Our strategic directives include:

Expanding and developing food procurement and food distribution Educating clients on nutrition and food preparation

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Who does wafer help?

WAFER provides food to individuals/families throughout La Crosse County (the city of La Crosse, Mindoro, Holmen, West Salem, Onalaska, Bangor, Rockland) and La Crescent, MN due to their distance from their TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program – government commodities) outlet. In 2015, 43,320 people were fed through WAFER programming and 1 in 3 were under the age of 18. Each food package contains 3 meals a day for 4-5 days for each person in the family. Throughout 2015 more than 1.2 million meals were provided through in-house food distribution and various outreach programs. 640 new families used WAFER services in 2015. The face of hunger for the people served at WAFER is similar to the face you see passing by you on the sidewalk. Hunger does not discriminate, it affects all people regardless of age, gender, race, family upbringing, social status, or any other factor. WAFER families/individuals come from every walk of life: single parent household, two parents working yet still unable to get by, chronically disabled, newly diagnosed, jobless, homeless, veterans, seniors, and others.

WAFER operates a variety of programs and services:

Food Package Distribution The main program is food package distribution. Clients receive 4-5 day’s worth of food a minimum of one time per month; quantities vary with food package size. The food package consists of non-perishables (canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, beans, tuna, cereal, peanut butter, crackers, soup, tomato products, mac-n-cheese, and side dishes as available), bakery items, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs), frozen meat, a large assortment of produce (such as lettuce, onions, potatoes, oranges, apples, bananas, peppers, melon, squash), and hygiene items.

Senior Share The Senior Share program provides WAFER’s normal food package to low income senior citizens. Food is pre-packed according to preferences, as much as possible, and delivered to sixteen La Crosse County senior meal sites, apartment complexes, or community sites. In December 2015, 215 senior citizens participated in the delivery program. The number of participants is expected to increase over the coming years.

Feeding Today’s Youth WAFER oversees two initiatives for the Feeding Today’s Youth programming. One, a grant allowing the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse to provide a hearty afterschool snack to children who might otherwise not receive an adequate evening meal. Two, in coordination with the Bangor School District, we are able to provide easy to prepare or already prepared foods for children to take home on the weekend. Understanding that even though Bangor isn’t considered a “food dessert” (meaning urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food within an one mile radius and 10 mile radius respectively) there are few community resources for people to utilize. This program is designed to assure children have access

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to food outside of the school setting. Students who participate in this program return to school on Monday ready to learn and have every opportunity for proper development. Each week approximately 40 children take home food a minimum of one time.

Food Fair In partnership with Channel One Foodbank, a Feeding America Foodbank, we are able to offer an additional food giveaway one time per month. The Food Fair is typically held the 4th Saturday of each month except around holidays or community events. Each account member is issued a ticket for the Food Fair in order to receive the food package. Pallets of food come from Channel One and are lined up in the street during good weather months or in a warehouse behind the WAFER building during cold/rainy months. Participants bring their own bags/boxes/wagons to collect their food package which typically weights ~50 pounds. The contents of the food package varies from month to month based on availability at Channel One but typically contains cereal, produce, bakery, meat, canned goods, and crackers. In 2015, Channel One provided an extra 196,429 pounds of food to 5219 households (not included in the total number of food packages given in 2015) through this event.

Mobile Drop The Mobile Drop Program is the delivery of the traditional food package to the rural communities of Mindoro and Bangor. To decrease or eliminate transportation barriers for families and individuals living in rural areas, WAFER volunteers assemble food packages based as much as possible on personal preferences. These food packages and a food fair box are delivered one-time per month to pre-established locations in the respective communities.

Hmong Food Package The Hmong Food Package contains 5 basic staples found in the Hmong diet and is one of WAFER’s longest operating programs. This food package has been offered for more than 10 years since many of the Hmong families do not use or eat a portion of the foods available in the “traditional” food package. Many traditional American staples are not a part of the Hmong diet. Therefore, Hmong families can receive bamboo shoots, fish sauce, two varieties of rice noodles, and rice in their food package if they so choose.

Food Rescue Food Rescue is a major component of WAFER’s overall functioning and the means by which we are able to offer a large assortment of fresh food items as well as some dry products. Each day of the business week at least one driver is making stops throughout the community rescuing food that is “unsalable” in the store because of a dented box, close sell-by date, package mislabeling, and more. Produce in particular is typically quite bountiful, giving client families a wonderful choice of healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Due to the generosity of WAFER’s regular donors, people have an abundance of wholesome fresh foods to choose in addition to produce; dairy, baked goods, eggs, meat, and more. In 2015, rescued food accounted for 854,925 pounds. Where 1 pound = $1, more than $850,000 in product was rescued for the expense in vehicle and staff costs of roughly $30,000.

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Financial information

WAFER receives financial support from personal and business donations, foundations, grants, and the United Way.

Assets

Current Assets Checking (Operating Expense Account) $78,996.62 Bond Fund (Longer-term Investments*) $224,385.32 Money Market $144,431.85 (Capital Improvements & Maintenance Accounts*) Money Market (Capital Campaign Account*) $27,026.46 Money Market (Operating Expense Account*) $235,264.75 Total Current Assets $710,105.00

Other Assets Property and Equipment $260,538.15

Liabilities and net assets

Current Liabilities $2,445.28

Total Liabilities $2,445.28

Total Assets* $970,643.15 *Investments - Longer term assets invested in mutual funds. Up to 40% of total assets less operating expense accounts. These reserves too fall under CIMA

definitions.

*Capital Improvements and Maintenance Account (CIMA) - Represents reserves for future needs. Ie: A building that is not in the flood plain. *Capital Campaign Account (CCA) - For building and emergency equipment needs.

*Operating Expense Account (OEA) - Goal is to keep a minimum of 6 months of expenses in checking and money market accounts. These reserves are used to offset seasonal declines in revenue and/or food donations. WAFER has budgeted $96,350 alone for food purchases in 2016.

*TOTAL ASSETS - This figure includes current assets and property and equipment. The Better Business Bureau suggests, that for non-profits, total

unrestricted assets be no more than 3 times the larger of last year’s expenses or this years budget.

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We wish to acknowledge our community donors that supported WAFER

from January – December 2015 by collecting food.

Weekly Food Donors

Aldi

Great Harvest Bread Company

Kwik Trip

Linda’s Bakery

Panera

Sam’s Club

Starbucks

Target

Walmart La Crosse

Walmart Onalaska

Westby Creamery

Churches

Bethany Evangelical Free Church

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

English Lutheran Church

First Baptist Church

First Congregational Church

First Presbyterian Church

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

North Presbyterian Church

Olivet Lutheran Church

Onalaska Church of Christ

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Roncalli Newman Parish

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. James Catholic Church

St. John’s United Church of Christ

St. Joseph Cathedral

St Paul’s Lutheran Church

Trinity United Church of Christ Wesley United Methodist Church

Governmental Partners

Bangor Post Office

City of La Crosse

La Crosse County Human Services

Mindoro Post Office

National Weather Service

Wisconsin Department of Transportation - La Crosse

Schools and Education Partners

Aquinas High School

Aquinas Middle School

Logan High School

Onalaska High School

Providence Academy

Southern Bluffs Elementary School

UWL Involvement Center

UWL Track and Field

UW – La Crosse

Viterbo University

West Salem Middle School

Civic Groups/ Associations

AAPC Chapter Association

American Legion Post 52

Bangor Fire Department

Bangor FFA

Catholic Order of Foresters

Community Care and Share Pantry

Community Hunger Solutions

Congregation Sons of Abraham

Crossfire, INC

Deep Rooted Greenhouses

Earth Fair

G.E.T. FFA

Gateway Area Boy Scouts

Girl Scouts of Riverland

Hixon 50 Grandbluff Running

La Crosse Area Realtors Association

La Crosse Chamber Chorale

La Crosse Concert Band, Inc.

La Crosse Duplicate Bridge Club

La Crosse Public Library

Mobile Meals of La Crosse

National Association of Letter Carriers

Neighbor for Neighbor Food Pantry

North American Squirrel Assoc.

Onalaska Emergency Food Basket

Operating Engineers Local 139

Parenting Place

PEO Sisterhood Chapter CR

Riverfront

Rotary Lights

Sparta Kiwanis Club

Washburn Community Gardens

Wise Guyz Car Club

Women In Philanthropy

Women of the Moose Chapter 1526

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Business and Corporate Partners

A-1 Fire

Ace Hardware

Advance Spinal Care

Agropur Ingredients

Ashley Furniture

Big Boar BBQ

Bimbo Bakeries

Brice Cohey Consulting, Inc.

Brick Oven Bakery

Brilliant Body

Cass Bar

Chart Energy and Chemicals

Chartwell

Check into Cash

Christian Chapel Daycare

City Brewing Company

Coca Cola

Community Credit Union

Coulee Region Chill

Craig’s Meats

Credit Bureau Data

Dairyland Power

Degen Berglund

Desmond Investments

Dollar Tree

Dynamic Recycling

Fed Ex Ground

Frito Lay

GECU The Friendly Credit Union

Gensler

Goodwill Industries

Gordy’s Market

Great Lakes Cheese

Gundersen Health System

Gundersen Lutheran Cancer Center

Hardware Hank

Harmony Valley Farms

High Roller Skating

Hillside Animal Hospital

Hillview Health Care

Holland Air Park Neighborhood

JC Penney Company, Inc.

Jolivette

Key Impact

L & C Insulation

La Crosse Area Speedway

Lindy's Subs

Logistics Health, Inc.

Macy’s

Mayo Clinic Health System

Mayo Health Systems Foundation

Mcloone Metal Graphics, Inc.

Metropolitan Salon & Day Spa

Minnesota Corrugated Box

Mount La Crosse

Old Dutch

Organic Valley

People’s Food Cooperative

Pepperidge Farm

Peter’s Farms

Pogy’s Catering

Potato King

Quillin’s IGA Island

Radisson Hotel La Crosse

Red Balloon Childcare

Reinhart Companies

S&S Cycling

Sargent Trucking Inc.

Snap Fitness

State Bank

Tapestry Garden

The Tomato Patch

TJ Maxx

Toppers Pizza

Torrance Casting

Toys R Us

Travel Leaders

UPS

Walgreens

Walmart Distribution Center

Warehouse Alliance, Inc.

Warehouse Night Club

Webster

Western Wisconsin Cares

Wettstein’s

Wichelt Imports, Inc.

Wiebke Trading Company

Woodman’s Food Market

Xcel Energy

*Due to human error a donor may have been unintentionally missed.

20

Food package distribution

1986-2015

Distribution by age 2015

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Adults

Adults

Senior Citizens (60+)

Children

21

Total Pounds Distributed

2001-2015

2015 Food sources and Poundage

0

200000

400000

600000

800000

1000000

1200000

1400000

1600000

1800000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

400145

196429

133266122478

160041

110041

96219

67790

55242

4918729970 23106 Walmart

Channel One Food Bank - Food Fair

Community Donations - produce, other

Food donations/drives (not corporate)

TEFAP

Purchased

Sam's Club

Westby Creamery

Target

Bakery

Kwik Trip

Hunger Task Force

22

Number of visits by county 2014

Wisconsin

La Crosse 19145

Vernon 95

Trempealeau/Jackson 71

Monroe 28

Richland/Crawford/Buffalo 5

Minnesota

Houston 212

Number of visits by county 2015

Wisconsin

La Crosse 17590

Vernon 121

Trempealeau/Jackson 26

Monroe 17

Richland/Crawford/Buffalo 3

Minnesota

Houston 168

Visits by Community in La Crosse County

City of La Crosse Onalaska Holmen West Salem Bangor Mindoro Rockland

23

If you should have questions regarding the contents of WAFER’s annual report, please

contact a board member or the Executive Director.

Address: 403 Causeway Blvd, La Crosse, WI 54603

Phone: 608-782-6003

Email: waferdirector@waferlacrosse.org

Website: waferlacrosse.org

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO

FILL THE SHELVES!