As the community cereal collection campaign reaches its midpoint, residents across the region are stepping up to support local families in need. The initiative, designed to gather boxes of unopened, non-expired cereal, will distribute donations to a network of 15 local charities. Among them is De Pere Christian Outreach’s food pantry, an organization that plays a vital role in feeding students and families during months when school breakfast programs are unavailable.

The pantry has seen a consistent rise in visitors since the beginning of the pandemic, with over 14,000 households receiving assistance last year alone. According to Amy Murphy, the organization’s executive director, cereal is a key item distributed weekly—often one box per family, with larger households receiving two. She emphasized the importance of this nutritious and easy-to-prepare staple in supporting food-insecure homes. Operations staff note that demand has grown so significantly that the pantry shifted from weekly to biweekly distributions to better manage resources and staffing challenges.

Residents who wish to contribute can drop off cereal donations at multiple locations, including the WBAY studios in downtown Green Bay and participating credit union branches. The final day for contributions is June 30, when members of the Action 2 News team will assist donors by collecting items directly from their vehicles.

Community efforts like the cereal drive highlight the power of collective action in addressing growing social needs. As food insecurity continues to affect more families, such initiatives remind us of the difference individuals can make by coming together for a common cause. Supporting neighbors in need not only sustains households but also strengthens the fabric of the entire community.