

Every day, many students in our county face hunger—a barrier that affects their ability to think, learn, and reach their full potential.

While federal school breakfast and lunch programs help meet weekday nutritional needs, many children go without regular meals on weekends and holidays. To help close this gap, Fondy Food Pantry launched Food for Thought (FFT) in 2011 in partnership with the Fond du Lac School District.
This vital program reduces hunger and its impact on academic success by providing nutritious, child-friendly food for the weekend. Today, FFT supports nearly 1,000 students across Fond du Lac County, with plans to expand as community need continues to increase.
While federal school breakfast and lunch programs help meet weekday nutritional needs, many children go without regular meals on weekends and holidays. To help close this gap, Fondy Food Pantry launched Food for Thought (FFT) in 2011 in partnership with the Fond du Lac School District.
This vital program reduces hunger and its impact on academic success by providing nutritious, child-friendly food for the weekend. Today, FFT supports nearly 1,000 students across Fond du Lac County, with plans to expand as community need continues to increase.
Fondy Food Pantry provides Opportunity Boxes and bags, portable, ready-to-eat food and hygiene packages for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. These boxes are designed to support health, dignity, and basic needs during challenging times.

Support Food for Thought by donating any of the following single-serve, shelf-stable items (please no glass containers):

In partnership with SSM Health, the Basket of Hope program supports new mothers experiencing food insecurity. When new mothers at SSM hospitals are identified as needing assistance, they receive a thoughtfully prepared bag filled with nourishing, shelf-stable foods.
Each basket provides meals that last 3 to 5 days, helping families focus on recovery and caring for their babies without stress. We include culturally appropriate foods to honor the diverse backgrounds of the families we serve, ensuring each Basket of Hope feels personalized, supportive, and respectful.
Through our partnership with the Opportunity Center, Fondy Food Pantry provides food every Wednesday for individuals experiencing homelessness to create and share meals together. This program teaches cooking skills, encourages connection, and fosters a sense of community.
In addition, we provide Opportunity Bags to neighbors identified with immediate needs, offering essential food and hygiene items for those facing sudden challenges.
Fondy Food Pantry partners with the WIC program to provide food bags for families and individuals experiencing immediate need. These bags include nutritious, easy-to-prepare items that support health and wellness for children and parents alike. By addressing urgent needs, this program helps families maintain stability and focus on growth and recovery.
Pounds of food distributed in the 2024/2025 school year
School districts coordinated: Fond du Lac, Eden, Campbellsport, Ripon, Rosendale-Brandon, and Oakfield
Snack bins distributed to middle and high schools
Mondays: 3:30 – 6 pm
Tuesdays: 11 Am – 1 pm
Thursdays: 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Please note: The parking lot closes 15 minutes before the end of each pantry session.

At Fondy Food Pantry, you can expect to be treated with kindness, respect, and without judgment. Pantry staff and volunteers are here to support you and your family by providing nutritious food in a welcoming and caring environment. Everyone who asks for help is welcome, regardless of income or circumstance.
Fondy Food Pantry serves anyone residing in Fond du Lac County who requests food assistance.
Clients may make two visits to the food pantry each month.
At the first visit to the pantry, please provide ID for each household member and proof of address for every adult.
Accepted forms of ID include:
Accepted proof of address (dated within 45 days and showing name/address):
FFP encourages new clients to register online before visiting, including information for all household members and any dietary restrictions.
Residents who live outside of Fond du Lac County are welcome for a one-time visit. After that, FFP is happy to refer clients to food pantries in their area.
FFP has bilingual volunteers who can help translate between English and Spanish during each walk-in pantry session. Forms and signs are available in both English and Spanish to help navigate the pantry easily.
With support from Feeding America, local food drives, and generous donors, FFP is able to offer a wide variety of nutritious foods. This includes pantry staples like cereal, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, tuna, and baking supplies. The pantry also stocks fresh and frozen produce, dairy products, and a selection of proteins. The pantry makes every effort to ensure that each visit includes milk and eggs to help families prepare complete, healthy meals.
FFP requests that clients shop without children to avoid overcrowding and allow a smooth shopping process. If children can safely be left at home with another adult, it will help speed things up for all shoppers.
Yes. A designated proxy shopper is someone who does not live in the same household but is authorized to shop on a client’s behalf. Clients must be registered at FFP before someone can shop for them.
If the Fond du Lac School District closes due to weather, the pantry also closes. This does not apply to delayed starts. Weather-related closings will be posted on FFP’s website and Facebook page.
No appointment is needed for walk-in pantry hours. Clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours.
Yes. During registration, clients can list dietary needs. While we can’t guarantee all items will meet those restrictions, we make every effort to accommodate them when packing or offering food options.
We understand that situations vary. While our standard limit is two visits per month, we may be able to help with referrals to additional resources or programs if you're in crisis.
You’ll check in with a volunteer, receive a cart, and move through the pantry like a small grocery store, selecting food that fits your needs. Volunteers are available to answer questions or assist.
