STOCKBRIDGE, Wis. — Forty-six of Wisconsin’s 72 counties are considered rural, according to a recent report by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. It can be challenging for those living in rural communities to access some of life’s necessities, such as clothes, food or toiletries.

The Swap & Shop is helping to fill the void, providing various basic needs and support to those who can’t travel to a city.

Helping people in need is important to Lisa Meyer. She’s been a special education teacher and respite care provider for the past 20 years. 

In May, Meyer opened the Swap & Shop in Stockbridge. She said it’s a clothing pantry that provides more than just something to wear.

“It’s not just clothes. We do have personal hygiene items, toiletries and also a basic food pantry,” Meyer said.

The Swap & Shop is located in Calumet County and also serves the surrounding areas. Meyer said families who come to the pantry live mostly in rural communities where grocery, clothing and drug stores can be miles away.

“The residents that live here, the closest for anything is really about 15-20 minutes away and there are some people that don’t have reliable transportation. We are providing emergency needs and supplemental needs,” Meyer said.

Meyer stressed The Swap & Shop is not just for people in need; it’s for everybody. Employee Carla Biese said she’s noticed families shopping because they’re in between paychecks or trying to stretch their budgets.

“People that come in here look for clothes, either their child is outgrown a size, and they’re in a panic because they need a bigger size, or they have an occasion for the weekend, like, ‘Oh my God, my dress doesn’t fit,’” Biese said. 

Meyer said besides filling a need, she hopes to provide a sense of community to rural Wisconsin. While her shop is nonprofit, Meyer said she measures her gains by asking herself one question.

“Lisa, how do you know if you’ve been successful? I said, if I help one person, I’ve been successful,” Meyer said.