MILWAUKEE — Times have been tough for Lakish Weatherall. She recently hurt her ankle and has been out of work. 

“I’m so ready to get out of this boot,” said Weatherall.  

She said Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry has been a saving grace.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry provides healthy options for the community

  • The pantry has fresh produce and sugar free and low sodium items that cater to diabetic clients

  • The pantry has nurses on standby in case clients want their blood pressure taken or to talk about meal plans

“This is really helpful for me,” said Weatherall. “Especially with me being down and out and not working.” 

The pantry, which caters to diabetic clients, offers fresh produce and healthy options, like sugar free and low sodium items. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 8.8% of adults in Wisconsin have been diagnosed with diabetes; 34.4% have prediabetes, or blood glucose levels that are higher than normal.

“Oh my gosh,” said Weatherall as she walked through the pantry. “This is like really nice. I’ll make me a good Sunday dinner.” 

In addition to food, the Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center also offers an array of services, such as blood pressure checks and nutrition classes. Nurses are always on standby to help.

Julia Means is a parish nurse through Ascension Wisconsin. She started the food pantry in the basement of Ebenezer Church of God in Christ in partnership with the Hunger Task Force.

She said its mission has always been to provide diabetic-friendly options for those who need it and for the wider community.

“There are many food deserts in this community,” said Means. “So, people go to places that don’t have healthy food options. We want to be there to be able to supply free healthy food options and to be able to educate and work with people that are ill and need to have healthy food options.” 

It’s a service Weatherall said she is thankful to have when she needs it the most. 

Correction: A previous version of this story had the wrong name for the Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry. This error has been corrected. (April 7, 2024)

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