Critical Access Hospitals are a vital part of rural communities across Wisconsin. 
In addition to providing lifesaving health care services, these rural hospitals are also a major employer whose associates touch many organizations in their service area. 
For residents of Chippewa and Clark counties, the Thorp Community Food Pantry provides services one day per month.  
Ascension Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Stanley recently began supporting the Thorp Food Pantry with a Food Gleaning Program through its cafeteria. 
“By packaging untouched food that would otherwise be thrown away, Our Lady of Victory is able to provide 200-300 donated pounds of food each month,” said Jane Bentz, director of community outreach for Ascension Our Lady of Victory.
The program is modeled after a similar program at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill. That effort started in 2018 and provides over 5,000 pounds of food to participants at the Merrill Community Food Pantry in Lincoln County 
Ascension Our Lady of Victory replicated that program and also purchased containers for the food packaging.