Ruby’s Pantry closes after more than 20 years serving Midwest families

• Ruby’s Pantry permanently closed Tuesday after 23 years, citing financial sustainability issues affecting its 87 regional locations
• The organization distributed more than 242,000 food bundles last year across Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin
• Local alternatives include Platteville Food Pantry, Second Harvest Foodbank area mobile pantries, and River Bank – St. Stephens Branch in Dubuque for affected families

A prominent Midwest organization that distributed more than 242,000 food bundles last year has permanently shut down after leadership determined the ministry was no longer financially sustainable.

Ruby’s Pantry announced Tuesday it ended operations immediately after serving communities across Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin for over 23 years. The organization operated 87 regional locations before permanently closing its doors March 31.

The closure affects local sites in Prairie du Chien, Dodgeville and Platteville, where a pop-up pantry had been scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd at Platteville United Methodist Church. That event has been canceled due to the closure.

“After (more than) 23 years of serving our communities, Ruby’s Pantry will be closing its doors,” the organization stated on RubysPantry.org. “This decision comes with heavy hearts, but after much prayer and consideration, the ministry is no longer financially sustainable.”

The organization expressed gratitude to supporters who helped build its substantial network across the three-state region. Ruby’s Pantry had established itself as a significant resource for families and individuals facing food insecurity throughout the Midwest.

“We are deeply grateful for every volunteer, donor, and family who has been part of this journey,” the statement continued. “We recognize that this is difficult news to receive and do not take this decision lightly.”

Ruby’s Pantry leadership said the organization spent recent months attempting to restructure operations to better serve community needs. Despite these efforts to adapt and improve service delivery, the organization ultimately determined that continuing operations was not viable.

The immediate closure means that communities previously served by Ruby’s Pantry locations must identify alternative resources for food assistance. Several local options remain available for Platteville-area residents affected by the closure.

• Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin operates a mobile food pantry at St. Mary’s School, 345 N. Court Street, on the third Friday of each month starting at 9:30 a.m. The next event is scheduled for April 17.
• The Platteville Food Pantry serves residents of the Platteville School District on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Lutheran Church of Peace, 1345 N. Water St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Thursday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday. The pantry can be reached at (608) 778-8572.
• University of Wisconsin-Platteville students can access Pioneer Provisions at the northeast entrance of Glenview Commons, Door E5. The service operates Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during fall and spring semesters.

Additional resources include River Bend Food Bank’s St. Stephen’s Branch in Dubuque, Iowa, located at 3145 Cedar Crest Ridge. (563) 557-7474

Ruby’s Pantry’s closure represents a significant loss for communities that relied on the organization’s services to address food insecurity. The organization had built relationships with communities, volunteers and partner organizations throughout its coverage area over more than two decades.

“God has done meaningful work through Ruby’s Pantry, and we trust that impact will continue beyond this chapter,” the organization’s statement concluded. “Thank you for being part of it.”

The organization provided no additional details about the closure beyond the statement posted on its website. Ruby’s Pantry leadership thanked volunteers and community members for their dedication over the years of service.

Local food banks, community organizations and other hunger-relief programs may see increased demand as former Ruby’s Pantry clients seek alternative sources of support. The closure highlights ongoing challenges facing food assistance organizations as they work to meet community needs while maintaining sustainable operations.