History

The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank was founded in 2009 as the Walworth County Food Pantry. It began with a local group of Boy Scouts pulling their wagons and collecting food for people in need. Passionate volunteers like Frank Guske Jr. and Sal Dimiceli were instrumental. Our first location was on County Road H in Lake Geneva. We moved into our current facility in 2014. The pantry provided for our community through volunteer work led by the tireless efforts of Jim and Ardith Drescher. In 2017, Susan and John Hughes took over the operations and began great work to expand offerings, enter strategic partnerships, and coordinate with other pantries in the area to increase buying power. Memberships were established with the National Diaper Bank Network and the Alliance for Period Supplies, and the name was changed to the Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank.

Together, we are building a bridge to a better tomorrow for our Walworth County neighbors.

On March 1, 2025, the Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank, in accordance with its strategic plan, changed its name to The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank. The Bridge name aligns with our vision and mission while eliminating the misunderstanding we are affiliated with county government. The Bridge serves those who need help, and those who want to help, building a bridge of strength in our community.

 At The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank, we believe that:

• Together we can solve hunger.
• All people deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.
• Collaboration with partners throughout our community leads to innovative solutions.

Through partnerships with local and national resources, and careful procurement procedures, we are able to purchase food, milk, diapers, incontinence products, and period supplies at significant discounts.

Today The Bridge Food and Diaper Bank owns our 10,000 square foot building, commercial freezers and coolers, warehouse equipment, two box trucks, and employs a small staff to sustain our mission and service to the community.

Through it all, our operations have been mainly powered by volunteers and funded by the generosity of private donations and grants.