University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

UWEC

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Proposal

Community Wellness Market- Power Up EC Food Pantry

Community partner: POWER UP EAU CLAIRE
Supervisor: YOUA VANG
Beginning date:
2026-04-07
Ending Date:
2026-12-31

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer A semi load of food arrives every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. Volunteers are needed to help with unloading, unpacking, and sorting items. On the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, volunteers are also needed to help run the pantry. Responsibilities include registering families, assisting with checkout, opening packages, and helping with clean-up. This work addresses a critical community need food insecurity by helping ensure guests are able to access food while also creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who visits the pantry.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer Our mission is to amplify the voices of Hmong community in the greater Chippewa Valley through civic engagement, strategic community organizing, impactful issue advocacy, and intentional leadership development. Power Up Eau Claire envisions a vibrant community led by knowledgeable, empowered, and educated individuals who leverage their diverse backgrounds and experiences to drive progressive change, nurturing social, economic, and political well-being for our families and future generations.

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer Communication Skills – Ability to interact respectfully and kindly with guests, volunteers, and staff Compassion & Cultural Awareness – Creating a welcoming environment for people from diverse backgrounds Organization Skills – Sorting, stocking, and managing food items efficiently Basic Administrative Skills – Assisting with registration and checking in/out families Physical Ability – Lifting, carrying, and moving boxes during unloading and setup Time Management & Reliability – Showing up on time and completing tasks efficiently Teamwork – Working collaboratively with others to support pantry operations Attention to Detail – Ensuring accurate distribution and proper handling of food items

4.

What are the learning objectives for this project

Answer Understand Food Insecurity Gain awareness of the causes and impacts of food insecurity in the community. Build Communication Skills Learn how to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Develop Cultural Competency Increase understanding of cultural food needs and how to serve a diverse community with dignity. Improve Organizational Skills Learn how to sort, store, and distribute food efficiently and safely. Strengthen Teamwork Collaborate with volunteers and staff to ensure smooth pantry operations. Practice Responsibility & Time Management Show reliability and manage tasks in a timely manner. Foster Empathy & Community Awareness Build compassion and a deeper connection to community needs. Develop Problem-Solving Skills Learn to adapt and respond to challenges during busy pantry operations.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Available on Tuesdays from 9 am until 11am or available 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 4:30pm until 6:30pm.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer We truly appreciate having students and volunteers come help out families.
Community-Engaged Learning • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
Vicki Lord Larson 2146 • A Unit of: Academic Affairs
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: cel@uwec.edu
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