LOCAL FOOD PANTRY CEASES OPERATIONS, CITING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Ruby’s Pantry of Rhinelander has announced that following more than 12 years of serving the community, the local food assistance program will be closing up shop effective immediately. Representatives from Ruby’s Pantry said in a statement that the decision to close comes after months of internal reorganization focused on better matching their mission with available resources. The closing was initially announced Tuesday on the Ruby’s Pantry website, citing financial challenges.

Though the Ruby’s closure removes one option for those seeking help with their food supplies, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is still a viable option.

The pantry was housed at the Calvary Baptist Church for the last eight and a half years. Their Pastor, Rod Ankrom said the announcement was a surprise to everyone involved and shared that the church is grateful for all of those who served families in need through the years.

The faith-based organization, which was named after Burnett County Wisconsin native Ruby Flodin, was established in 2003 to help combat food insecurity.