Food Pantry Survey Results
The Marathon County Hunger Coalition conducted a survey of individuals accessing services at local food pantries recently. The survey confirmed the interconnectedness of issues like food, shelter, transportation and mental health. Did you know:
50% of individuals requesting food assistance are employed, but 43% don't make enough to meet their basic needs for food and shelter on a regular basis
40% don't have reliable, affordable transportation to get to work, school, appointments, etc.
25% report mild to severe mental health issues
74% have NOT used alcohol, drugs or misused prescription medications in the last six months.
This information reinforces the findings in the ALICE Report which was released in October, 2016. That report shows that 41% of Marathon County residents don't earn enough to support their basic living expenses. You can read the ALICE Report on our website.
The Adopt a Classroom project is off and running. On March 10, students who attended the Phi Theta Kappa Spring Regional Leadership Convention hosted by NTC volunteered to assist with the first step. 50 students helped assemble and pack the materials local companies will be using to create literacy and garden kits. Participants come from chapters across the state to engage in professional and leadership development activities, as well as fellowship and service. The local chapter wanted to provide an opportunity to connect with the United Way and engage in fellowship while serving our community. 
Over 213 RSVP volunteers gathered on April 5 to celebrate those who give back to our community by volunteering. This annual event, sponsored by Aspirus, recognizes those RSVP volunteers who have received milestones in volunteering. Awards were presented to individuals who completed 100, 250 or 500 hours of service in 2016 at various volunteer sites across the community. Last year RSPV volunteers contributed more than 51,000 hours valued at more than $1.147 million dollars in Marathon County.
