As a baker myself, I make a point to try all the local bakeries. I heard from several people that a new bakery was opening in Kaukauna, and as soon as they posted their menu, I couldn’t wait to try it. Right in the heart of downtown Kaukauna, Sticky Fingers opened in...
The weather this past week has been sweltering. Our staff hasn’t been immune, so we decided to share with you one of our favorite ways to cool off, of course ice cream! Whether it be your favorite Mexican sundae, adding a few of your favorite toppings to tried and...
Tuesday. What is there to do on a Tuesday? Hardly anything, ever, really. Tuesday falls too early in the week and yet is so far removed from the weekend. Sometimes it is just another Monday masquerading as a Tuesday. 313 Dodge might just be what you are looking for....
As I’m getting used to living in Wisconsin, I’m discovering some of the Wisconsin staples when it comes to food and spirits. I knew about Spotted Cow and cheese curds before I moved to Wisconsin, but that was about it. Fortunately, Gabe’s Wisconsin Kitchen and Tavern...
When I previously lived in Illinois, I became familiar with the popcorn chain “Garrett Popcorn.” One of my favorites mixes was their Garrett Mix, their world famous cheddar and caramel corn mix. When I moved to Wisconsin, I wasn’t sure if I would find a popcorn...
Did you know Oshkosh is considered a desert? Well, not the desert you’re thinking of with sand and hot temperatures. It’s considered a food desert by the USDA, and the residents of Oshkosh wanted to change that. As of July 22nd, 2021, the Oshkosh Food Co-Op (OFC) is...
The Hope Fridge has been open now in Oshskosh for a few weeks. We are so excited to have been able to help this project and be able to highlight in on our blog. If you haven’t please check out our previous post to learn more.
I recently checked in with Kris Larson, one of the owners of Wagner Market to chat about why Wagner Market chose to host the Hope Fridge and about how it’s been serving the community.
How did you learn about the Hope Fridge and why did you think Wagner Market would be a good location?
Kris: “We had been following along with their progress in Neenah, and ran into TJ Hobbs and Bowen (TJ’s husband) at an event ,asked about it, and a week later were already making progress!
In our discussions about it before we said yes, a mutual aid project like this one really does fit in great with what we do. Access to food has always been top of our list of ideals. This is why we have accepted SNAP and EBT from day 1 at Wagner Market. It’s about the right food to the right people in the right place. This is a high profile corner for both people who want to pay for expensive food, for folks who need great food in their neighborhood ,and for folks who need access to as inexpensive of food as possible (even free!)”
Who has been using the new Hope Fridge location?
I notice lots of folks using it. What I do find wonderful thus far, and another reason why a grocery store like Wagner is a good place to host. There really is not a way to tell who is stopping at the fridge to stock it, and who is stopping to get food from it. That is the best part to me. Any and all use is great! It does not matter one bit who is who.
I know when I talked to TJ that was something they were really passionate about. And in the past had experiences that made it hard for them to even get food without jumping through hoops.
The Hope Fridge located at Wagner Market has been a great asset so far. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Hope Fridge please visit their site. Another location at BowenStreet Repeats in Oshkosh recently opened.
Wagner Market is a great asset to our community is so many ways. They carry a variety of prepared foods, in house butcherd meat and beer. They also support local producers and have a large selection in store. Check out our reviews on Wagner Market, here & here.
Visit their donation site on Open Collective to make a donation today!
You can also visit the Amazon Wishlists for both the Neenah & Oshkosh locations to have items purchased directly for stocking the Hope Fridge at the desired location.
Make sure to visit the Hope Fridge’s Facebook for update on their current needs for each location as well as for volunteering opppurtunities.