A $154,500 USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant helped increase the square footage and modernize the Food Shelf at The BRICK

When one of the busiest food pantries in Northern Wisconsin took on a multi-year renovation project, which involved a move to and from a temporary facility, tremendous motivation and flexibility was required of staff and volunteers. The team is led by Elizabeth (Liz) Seefeldt, executive director of The BRICK (Benevolence Resources In Communities Kindred), a faith-based, non-profit organization in Ashland. 

Recently, a $154,500 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Community Facilities grant was used to help remodel The BRICK’s Food Shelf and make it more accessible to people with disabilities. The project includes renovation of the food distribution, warehouse facility, and lobby areas. 

Renovations helped create a more environmentally friendly building with better flow and efficiencies. Updates have made the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, which has been a key priority throughout the project.

“The architects were on that from the start,” Liz said.

The new design and layout have also made a difference in making people feel welcome in a space that also provides privacy.

“Now, when clients walk into the renovated facility, they are welcomed in a registration area and waiting room where the old pantry was, giving them greater privacy when they check into the pantry,” Seefeldt said. 

There are now two wheelchair-accessible public restrooms.

“Someone recently visited in a motorized wheelchair. He used an adult diaper. He expressed how grateful he was to have access to a restroom that could accommodate his needs,” Liz said.

The months when the Food Shelf was relocated temporarily to Central Railyard Park, where The BRICK team ran the food pantry from inside the concessions building, perhaps the greatest determination by all was needed.

A team of active volunteers has been instrumental all along. In 2024 alone, 201 volunteers performed 6,669.75 hours of service.

Liz credits the dedication she demonstrated throughout the project to the influence of many women, including her staff of five women.

“We have to rely on each other to make everything work smoothly,” she said. “We're all very different in terms of communication styles, perspectives, life-stages, and priorities. That can sometimes result in a little friction. In the end, we all recognize we're on the same side and we have to pull together, perhaps even more so because we're all women. The key is clear communication, and if we don't understand the first time around, we keep asking without judgment for clarification until we get it right.”

Of all the influential women throughout her life, though, Liz credits her mom the most. 

“While Mom wasn’t outgoing, and she didn’t make a big splash, she did leave an indelible mark on those around her,” Liz shared in one of The BRICK’s newsletters. “She lived a life of duty and service, and beyond that, a life of deep faith.” 

Staying organized was also particularly helpful throughout the application process. 

“I used my calendar a lot to make sure we met deadlines and stayed connected with (retired) USDA Rural Development Community Programs State Office Specialist Kou Xiong. Kou shepherded us through the process,” Liz said.

At The BRICK’s pantry, eligible households can receive an assortment of fresh and non-perishable food items. Participants may visit The BRICK’s Food Shelf once each month, receiving enough groceries to last three to five days. 

The BRICK obtains food from partners such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Second Harvest Northland Food Bank, local grocery stores, Feeding America partners, and donations from area churches, community organizations, and individuals. 

While snacks and bakery items are available, a main focus is, of course, getting nutritious foods into the hands of those who need it. Foods are strategically displayed to encourage good nutrition. The University of Wisconsin Extension’s Foodwise publication is available at the Food Shelf. 

“Frankly, it's a myth that pantry shoppers don't know, understand, or care about nutrition,” Liz said. “Good nutrition is more dependent on a large enough income to regularly purchase healthy food options. We all know that mac and cheese doesn't rank high, but it's cheap and filling, so that's what food-insecure folks often go for. Our pantry program tries to provide other options so pantry shoppers don't feel that's their only choice.”

“Frankly, it's a myth that pantry shoppers don't know, understand, or care about nutrition,” Liz said. “Good nutrition is more dependent on a large enough income to regularly purchase healthy food options. We all know that mac and cheese doesn't rank high, but it's cheap and filling, so that's what food-insecure folks often go for. Our pantry program tries to provide other options so pantry shoppers don't feel that's their only choice.”

Future plans include installing stairs at one of the loading docks, and extending the roof over the other dock. The team would also like to connect water and install cabinetry in the multipurpose room. They plan to install bollards at the heat pump, complete a garden bed, and replace a stationary window with operating window. They hope to replace an overhead warehouse door with a single door and insulate two warehouse door areas. 

Liz said she also has what she calls “pie in the sky” items on her wish list, including a mobile service pantry, a possible mural, and more. 

To learn more about The BRICK, visit: https://thebrickcares.org/support/.