Good Neighbors

In communities across the country, food pantries distribute groceries to hungry households. In La Crosse County, Wisconsin, neighbors are helping neighbors, working together to put food on family tables. 

WAFER, a not-for-profit organization, provides groceries to 1 out of every 14 households in La Crosse County, triple the number assisted just 10 years ago.  In addition to other programs, WAFER holds a monthly Food Fair where volunteers distribute food packages containing three to four days’ worth of groceries to nearly 500 needy families in a matter of hours. 

In 2010, a growing number of clients lined up in the parking lot each month, rain or shine. With winter fast approaching and little indoor space available to expand, WAFER turned to its neighbor, Mcloone Metal Graphics, for ideas. 

mcloone, located near downtown La Crosse, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality identification graphics such as custom decals, nameplates and pressure sensitive labels and has over 100 employees. 

Each month mcloone supplies space for the WAFER Food Fair distribution and provides protection during inclement weather for clients waiting in line at the Food Fair.  A portion of its manufacturing facility stores extra WAFER food supplies. 

In addition to providing much needed space, Mcloone employees also volunteer at the monthly distribution, applying their manufacturing know-how to help make the food pick up process as efficient as possible. 

“mcloone is proud to help WAFER expand its food distribution capabilities,” says Mike Voss, Director of Business Development.   “We live and work in this community. We saw a need and were able to help. That’s what good neighbors do.” 

About mcloone

mcloone, a JSJ business, is a manufacturer of custom decals, nameplates and pressure sensitive labels. Founded in 1954, Mcloone provides products for a variety of industries and applications including OEMs, specialty equipment, retail point of purchase, advertising and public relations, special event and sports marketing, and the automotive aftermarket. More information is available at www.mcloone.com.