The start of a new year brings the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past year and celebrate the

successes. In the past year, we experienced the addition of a refrigerated truck to increase food safety and provide

overflow cold storage space when fresh product is abundant, a safer cargo van, a flooded building (again), a 50%

change in personnel (see “The New Faces at WAFER” section on page 3), and the highlight for me, the implementation of the

Mobile Food Pantry. You can read more about 2017 in the Annual Report at waferlacrosse.org under the “About Us”

tab. The report is more than just a statistical report, it contains stories of people who are impacted and people who

are impact makers. Though there are plenty of challenges to reflect on, nothing can overshadow the greatness that has

come from the Mobile Pantry Project. On the next page you will find two outreach program updates; Mobile Food

Pantry and the Nutrition Education and Tools Project.

I have had the privilege to take the Mobile Food Pantry on outreach and listen to client stories firsthand. “I haven’t

been able to get to WAFER for 4 years because my vehicle broke down and taking the bus is so difficult.” Many

clients rave about how wonderful it is to choose their own foods, the variety available, and the amount they receive.

The stories that really touch my heart and bring justification to this project are those of going without. “I don’t have

transportation or money to get to WAFER’s location.” To be honest, I get a thrill just driving that vehicle, it is a

stunning and impactful vehicle after all. However, nothing is more thrilling than showing up at a location, providing

great service, and knowing that people have food to put on the table for at least a few days. One such day of outreach

in West Salem was particularly great despite it being a cold and blustery December day. In fact, it was so well received

that day that the line was four people deep out the door and we were practically climbing over each other inside, no

exaggeration. That is exciting success and we couldn't do it without you!

This past January was the highest service month in the last three years. Nearly 1600 families requested food

assistance, an increase of 150-200 families. Families, not individuals. It is no wonder that the generous community

food donations given over the holiday season lasted half as long as we had expected. This information was shared with

our community in various ways; social media, e-newsletters, and the local media

outlets for tv, newspaper, and radio. What resulted wasn’t a shock, but a

reinforcement in what I already know to be true about our local communities.

Generous donations poured in; money to purchase and gifts of food. Individuals,

businesses, schools, churches, and organizations came together to help meet this

immediate need. What an honor it is to witness the outpouring of love you have for

the work WAFER offers and the lives impacted.

I hope that you take a few more minutes to catch up on what is new at WAFER

and bits of what makes WAFER so great. Thank you for your ongoing and faithful

support. Together we make a world of difference right here at home! ~Erin Waldhart, Executive Director

Director’s Message WAFER NEWSLETTER | Spring| 2018

Programs Update

For 3+ years, the Nutrition Education & Tools Project has offered one or more educational opportunities each month.

What started as a small, one-time grant has transitioned into nearly full annual funding from

Great Rivers United Way. Education is provided through ongoing partnerships with Chartwell

Chefs, Gundersen Dietitians, UW-Extension Nutrition Educators, Mayo Dietitians, and Viterbo

Dietetic students (pictured) and professors. The educators continue to develop and deliver

quality, relevant, and interesting material all at no charge. “I am a home cook, but I always learn

something new.”

Participants have the opportunity to provide feedback on the current session and then make

suggestions about topics they would find added value in receiving. Not one post-program

evaluation has been negative and there have been so many positive comments. “This was very

fun and informative, totally enjoyed it”.

This spring, we are gathering information from participants who

have attended one or more classes in the last year to gauge the long

-term impact . There is vested interest in ongoing use of skills and information received, home

implementation, increased healthy choices, and the primary focus of the program, to increase

produce consumption. More than 75% of respondents have attended 6 or more classes in the last

year and 87% indicated that they have increased the amount of produce eaten as a result of the

classes. “I enjoy the class because I try things I wouldn’t have”.

A portion of this program is funded by private donations. Without private and grant funding, this

program would not be available to people who desperately want to live healthier. Respondents

were asked what they would like to say to the funders about how important this education has been

and a common response is appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities. Even self-proclaimed

“older people” are “still learning”! The respondents are so honest that this response just had to be

shared, “I’m overweight and old. Without learning how to eat more vegetables I’d be fatter already!”.

The Mobile Food Pantry program continues to move forward each month as Mobile Pantry

Manager, Samantha Riniker (pictured at the left), makes community and personal connections.

In February, a stop was added at Hamilton Elementary School in La Crosse. Heritage Haven, an

apartment complex in La Crosse, was added in March. The day after the first stop at Heritage

Haven, we received a call from their staff to ask some clarifying questions and then proceeded

to explain how much the residents “loved” the service. Samantha, shared the same sentiments

about the residents.

In order to expand the program and continue making a great impact in our county, partnering

with individuals, service groups, businesses, schools, and more is imperative. Finding partners

outside of the City of La Crosse has been more difficult than expected, except for a couple

locations where the Senior Share Delivery Program was already in operation. If you are aware

of a location that has increased food insecurity, work for a human service agency, are willing to

host a stop in your community, are a part of a group that would love to take this on in the more

rural areas of the county, could help distribute informational materials, would like to volunteer at one of the regular stops, help

stock the mobile pantry, or more, please contact Samantha. The level of commitment you can offer is up to you. Whether it be

2 hours a month, one day a month, or one day a week, any help is appreciated.

Samantha can be reached at 608-782-6003, x6 or at wafermobile@waferlacrosse.org and the Mobile Pantry Schedule is

available on the website at waferlacrosse.org under “Food Programs”.

“These classes were the best thing to start! Please keep them going!”

The Value of Volunteering

ADMINISTRATIVE

STAFF

Erin Waldhart

Executive Director

Brad Gerdes

Operations Manager

Samantha Riniker

Mobile Pantry Manager

April is National Volunteer Month. Though we give thanks for our volunteers each day, this is a great

opportunity to emphasize all they contribute for the successes at WAFER. Thanks to volunteers who

generously give of their time there is much that is accomplished each day. Volunteers fill a variety of

roles; stocking, sorting, receiving deliveries, working one-on-one with the clients, repackaging bulk

foods, general cleanup, providing compassionate service, and so much more. According to The

Independent Sector, the 2016 value of one hours of service (2017 is not available yet) is $24.14.

Volunteers at WAFER give ~1000 hours of service each month valued at $24,140. This may be an

individual or group, range in age from a teenager to retiree, volunteer regularly or for a one time

experience. Volunteers help in the pantry, on the Mobile Pantry, deliver food packages to seniors, at

Food Fairs, or special events. Each volunteer serves in their own way, but they all have one thing in

common—heart! Clients frequently offer thanks not only for the service, but also for those who give

their time and serve with kindness. Hundreds of volunteers join us each month. Below are just a few

of the many who have blessed WAFER clients.

Since the end of August there has been quite a change in staff at WAFER. We added two new

positions, Mobile Pantry Manager and Warehouse Assistant Manager, and wished four well on their

new journeys. Samantha, who started late December, has taken huge initiative in moving the

Mobile Food Pantry project forward. She works tirelessly to provide a great service for clients who

utilize the mobile pantry as well as working with community members to develop partnerships to

further the goals of the project. Leonard, was hired in October, to assist the Warehouse Manager in

getting the pantry read for service, receiving deliveries, and more. Leonard had been volunteering

with us for nearly 5 years until a position was finally available. For a small non-profit, this change in

staffing was a significant transition, but a small core of seasoned employees worked hard to see us

through to full staffing once again. Since August, in addition to Samantha and Leonard, we have

welcomed George and Billy to the Driver roles, Erin as Evening Manager, and Jenna as Evening Client

Coordinator. WAFER and the clients served have been blessed by the commitment to the mission

and heart for service each person has to brought to the table. If you see one of these new staff

members, please say “hi” or offer a word of encouragement as they work to find all the ways they

can impact our local communities. Pictured left to right are: Leonard, George, Billy, Erin, and Jenna.

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Taylor Haley, President

Mike Voss, Vice-President

Lee Bluske, Treasurer

Judy Siefert, Secretary

Brad Clarkin

Sally Friend

Dennis Herricks

Jerry Saterbak

Dorothy Stroschein

The New Faces at WAFER

Students and

faculty on a

mission trip from

Newman Catholic

Center at the

University of Iowa.

“Project Search” volunteers

from Holmen.

Andrew, a

UW-L student,

volunteers one

evening a week.

The Lady Raiders, La Crosse

Central Girls Basketball team,

volunteered for a Food Fair in

January. They enjoyed

themselves so much they plan

on making this a regular

service opportunity.

403 Causeway Blvd

La Crosse, WI 54603

608.782.6003

waferlacrosse.org

Facebook.com/WAFERlacrosse

To sign up to receive the e-newsletter

please go to waferlacrosse.org.

WAFER is a United Way Partner Agency

Nonprofit Org.

US Postage Pd

La Crosse, WI

Permit #103

Our Mission:

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

How You Can Help Now VOLUNTEER | DONATE FOOD | DONATE ONLINE

Call, click or visit WAFER to volunteer and donate food.

Donate online at www.waferlacrosse.org and use the

PayPal link on the right side of each page.

If you would like to write a check and donate,

please use the envelope enclosed inside this newsletter.

Thank you!