NEENAH, Wis. — One in ten people go hungry in Wisconsin, according to Feeding America Wisconsin. It can be especially hard for the homeless.

Greg Duerr is hoping to change that through his organization called the Fox Valley Hunger Project.

Duerr converted a school bus into a picnic bus outfitted with a grill.

This former paper industry salesman now spends his semi-retired time driving his picnic bus throughout the Fox Valley to feed the homeless.

“When I found the bus, I thought, well, this is perfect, because this way, if it’s raining or cold, they can come inside and get out of the weather and have a meal inside,” Duerr said.  

Duerr credits his sister Betsy Borns as the inspiration for his bus. She works with Safe Families, an organization that helps families in need.   

“I went with her once to visit a homeless woman who was living at Jones Park with three kids, the youngest being two years old. Not only were they living there, but I saw all these other people living there that I just didn’t really know that this was occurring so much here in the Fox Valley,” Duerr said.  

So, Duerr started this Fox Valley Hunger Project picnic bus. Three days a week, he’s feeding the homeless—Wisconsin style—brats, burgers or hotdogs.  

“We want to give people an opportunity to have something they like and enjoy, and that gives us a feeling of we’re actually, you know, just friends having a picnic,” Duerr said.  

Duerr said he stops at places where the homeless hang out like parks, shelters, lots and bus stations. He fires up his grill at every stop.

So, volunteers like Audrey Busch are appreciated. Busch is retired and said this is her time feeding the homeless. She said seeing so many people in need here in the Fox Valley is humbling.

“Just helping people out within the Fox Valley through meals and being able to serve is just wonderful to be able to provide a hot meal,” Busch said.  

If the homeless can’t hear Duerr honk his horn, he’s jumping off the bus at most stops to make sure no one goes hungry.

Duerr said he feeds up to 70 people per run—people like Baron.  

“Greg’s doing a beautiful thing. I think it’s a blessing for all the homeless people out here on the streets,” Baron said.  

Volunteering can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Duerr said his strength is rooted in his faith. 

“We’re here because Jesus told us to feed the hungry, and that’s what we try to do. It’s just a very good feeling when you’re able to help somebody that’s in need and not and not expect anything from them in return.”

Fox Valley Hunger Project Picnic Bus goes out and locates the homeless and needy in our community and feeds them a hot, freshly cooked picnic style meal. 

Click the link if you’d like to donate or volunteer. 100% of donations go directly to serve meals to those in need in the community.