Goodman Community Center | Fritz Food Pantry
The center is closed Monday, January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This includes all programs, buildings and reception.
Donate

The need in our community is greater than ever!

We've experienced a surge in demand at our food pantry, with many patrons sharing with us that it's the first time they’ve ever had to use a food pantry. Thanks to the ongoing support of our community of staff, volunteers, neighbors and partners like Second Harvest, we're able to meet the needs of a growing number of families and individuals. Please give if you can or scroll down to see more ways to support the Fritz Food Pantry

Give to the food pantry

The Fritz Food Pantry at the Goodman Community Center provides groceries for more than 350 households every week. We believe everyone should have access to a variety of healthy, fresh foods, regardless of their income level, and we’re proud to provide this valuable service to anyone in our community who needs it.

The pantry is open three days a week to anyone who needs it. We provide a mix of fresh produce and dairy products, eggs, meat and dry goods. As much as we can, we try to meet special dietary needs for low-sugar, low-salt, and gluten-free foods.

All are welcome. No pre-registration required.

Pantry Shopper FAQs

When is the pantry open?

Tuesday 9am – noon

Wednesday 5:30pm – 8pm

Thursday 12pm – 3pm

We hand out lottery entry numbers 10 minutes before pantry opens. After the lottery is done, anyone who arrives later will enter in order of arrival. There is no advantage to arriving before the lottery begins.

To ensure you have sufficient time to shop please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to our closing time.

Where is the pantry located?

The Fritz Food Pantry is located in our Ironworks building (149 Waubesa St.). Please enter through the food pantry door, located near the basketball courts. If you drive, feel free to park in the Ironworks parking lot and then follow the signs to the pantry entrance.

How often can I shop the pantry?

Shoppers/households can visit our pantry once a week.

Who can use the pantry?

Anyone is welcome to use the pantry. There are no restrictions or income requirements.

What should I expect for my first visit?

You do NOT need to sign up before you come.

Please plan to register every adult in your household. We may ask for an ID to make registration smoother, but it is not required.

The pantry can be very busy. Please be prepared for a bit of a wait until you are able to register and enter the pantry to choose your food.

How does the shopping process work?

Our pantry is a shopping/choice model, which means you pick what you want. Some items have limits, based on your household size.

Will there still be food if I don't arrive at opening time?

We work hard to make sure there is plenty of food — good quality and lots of variety — throughout the entire pantry shift.

All customers will have access to our pantry's variety of goods, no matter when they choose to shop.

Is there a way to shop quickly?

If you are short on time or prefer a faster visit, you can use our Rapid Pantry. A non-perishable bag will be prepacked from the pantry offerings and clients get to choose from a set selection of perishable items

In case of inclement weather

Goodman Community Center, including the food pantry, will be closed if Madison schools close due to snow. For the safety of all, the pantry may pause in the case of tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings.

If the Madison Schools are closed as a result of a planned closure, Goodman Community Center will determine if closure is necessary due to inclement weather. On days with weather advisories check our website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Goodman Menders, free mending services

Have simple alterations and fabric fixes done for free by a group of skilled volunteers. Notable exception: no zipper repairs.

2nd & 4th Tuesday: 9–11:30 am

Wednesdays: 5:30–7:30 pm

“I am eating more healthy foods and a new variety of fruits and vegetables than I could ever afford on my own. Thank you for always being here for me and my family. Truly a blessing to me and all the people I feed from the food I get from your food pantry.”

Get Involved

Our food pantry couldn't do the work it does without the support of our community. Donations of funds, food, or time are greatly appreciated!

Make a Financial Gift to the Food Pantry

Your gift helps keep our pantry stocked. Thank you!


To give to the Fritz Food Pantry by check, make your check out to "Goodman Community Center" and note "Food Pantry" in the notes line. Bring your check to the Ironworks Building front desk or mail it to Goodman Community Center, 214 Waubesa St., Madison WI 53704.

Learn about other ways to give.

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Donate Food

What’s always needed most:

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Cereal

We LOVE and gratefully accept fresh produce from your garden.

Due to food safety issues, we can't accept perishable items that require refrigeration or are frozen. We rely on financial donations to stock our fridge and freezers with meat, prepared food, produce, dairy and more.

Host a food drive

Food drives are a HUGE help in keeping our pantry shelves stocked. Could you host one within your family, at your workplace, faith community, club or neighborhood? In the food drive kit below you'll find printable posters and flyers to help promote your event, as well as a handy tips sheet. Below are some creative ways to get the most out of your food drive.

      How to drop off a donation

      Please bring non-perishable food, paper and plastic grocery bags or personal care items to our Ironworks building (149 Waubesa St. - the one with a splash pad) during our normal hours:

      • Monday - Thursday: 7 am–9 pm
      • Friday: 7 am–8 pm
      • Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am–6 pm

          For more information about the food pantry contact:

          Allison Dungan

          Food Pantry Manager
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