Saturday, January 6th, 2024 10:30-12:30
There will be a drive-thru distribution event only at our main location for anyone in La Crosse County or La Crescent, MN who needs food, particularly families meeting the 200% of federal poverty guidelines ($3052 gross monthly income for 2 people in the household). There is no pre-registration required. We will plan on providing food to the first 250 families. First come, first served. Foods available will be a variety of frozen meat, and possibly surplus items such as produce and bakery. Please have your trunk clear and opened for volunteers to load into.
When a drive-thru food distribution process is utilized minimal walk up services will be provided. Vehicles should line up beginning near Kane and Gillette Streets facing south. The line should back up to the north, to the east onto Rublee St, and to the north again onto Liberty St. The best way to access the line would be from Liberty St. Volunteers will be present to help with traffic control.
Please have your trunk empty and available for the volunteer to place your package items.
If you have questions about the Food Fair please call our office at 608-782-6003 during hours of distribution.
Event Volunteers
If you would like to sign up yourself or a group to volunteer, please call or email our office.
Volunteers fill a variety of roles during events: assembling food packages, loading vehicles, handing out food, breaking down cardboard, assisting patrons, traffic control, and more.
Scheduled Food Fair volunteers should arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the event start time. Wearing supportive close-toed shoes, dressing in layers, and being prepared for the weather are all important to consider (good and warm footwear, gloves, hat, warm jacket or sunscreen, hat, sunglasses).
Thank you volunteers!
This event couldn’t happen without you!
Implementation and History
Through a coordinated effort with Channel One Foodbank in Rochester, MN, a Feeding America foodbank, the first Food Fair was held in July 2009. Pallets of food are delivered and set up in the street next to WAFER during non-winter months. During extreme weather the Food Fair is generously housed in the Mcloone warehouse behind WAFER.
In August 2010, the Food Fair was extended to the West Salem community and is held on the west side of town on Hwy 16 near the car dealerships. The Food Fair generally operates for 1 hour and serves nearly 100 residents on the eastern side of La Crosse County.