The food pantry is open for food distribution Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 4:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m.  The lobby is open to patrons 10 minutes prior to the start of service.  Patrons must be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to close to receive a food package. Please plan your arrival time accordingly.

We are located at 1603 George St La Crosse, WI 54603.

If it's your first time visiting WAFER, watch the video or follow the instructions below. Find answers to additional questions here.

WAFER is one of several food pantries in La Crosse County that participates in the federally funded food program - also known as government commodities - TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) administered through the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. However, you should choose only one participating pantry; WAFER, Legacy (formerly River of Life Church), From the Heart, Salvation Army, or the YMCA pantry.

When you visit the pantry you will have two options for receiving a food package, either a government commodities package or a package that includes government commodities and community donated food.

To receive the commodity food package:

  • No ID or mail is required.
  • You must be a resident of Wisconsin.

To receive the commodity and community donated food package, please bring:

  • A photo ID.
  • The names and birth dates of everyone in the household.
  • A piece of mail or document with the name and current address for all household members age 18 and older (utility bill, paycheck stub, social services letter, etc) for address verification.  For children under 18 address verification could be a document from their healthcare provider, school, crib card for newborns, or current insurance cards.  A current piece of mail will be required every 12 months or as requested by staff.

Bring your picture ID with you for every WAFER visit.

ACCESS Application:

  • If you would like to apply for Foodshare benefits we can help you or apply here.
  • If you have already applied for assistance, but just have a change in address, need to update your account, or fax in some paperwork we can help with that too.  Please bring your account login information with you.

 

*In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.