Many of us are aware that agriculture is being severely impacted by challenges related to COVID-19, but we are often left wondering, “what can I do to help?”. The good news is, you don’t have to recreate the wheel. There are established funds that have been set up to collectively make the biggest, most positive impact for farmers and residents around the state.
Here are three funds you can consider donating to, to help farmers:
Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company created this fund and as the name suggests, its overall goal is to support the state’s farmers and consumers. Farm Bureau is raising funds for Harvest of Hope, a financial crisis fund for Wisconsin farm families. While Rural Mutual is collecting donations for Feeding Wisconsin to purchase Wisconsin food products for their partnering pantries. Each of these funds is set up separately to help track donations, so you can donate to one or both.
“We wanted to do something on a state-level that would not only help people in need but also our farmers. In order to provide help in a variety of ways, each entity took one initiative to focus on so that we could assist a larger base of people.” – WFBF and RMIC President Joe Bragger
The Wisconsin Pork Association has joined forces with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to connect Wisconsin pork producers with local meat processors, consumers and the growing number of people experiencing food insecurity.
Local meat processors are extending their hours of operation to accommodate additional animals. Donations to this program pay for the processing and packaging of the pork that is then donated to food banks.
“Due to current market challenges and supply chain disruptions brought on by COVID-19, the Wisconsin Pork Association is pleased to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and local meat processors to create a new destination for pork that might otherwise go to waste. The program is a win-win for pork producers, processors and consumers alike.” – Keri Retallick, WPA executive vice president
Donations to the Passion for Pork can be mailed to:
Passion for Pork c/o Peoples State Bank P.O. Box 218 Bloomington, WI 53804
Or made online at https://donorbox.org/passion-for-pork.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin along with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Hunger Task Force joined together to launch the Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Program.
This initiative is funded by donations that are used to process milk, that would otherwise have been disposed of, that is then donated to food banks and pantries.
You can learn more or make on online donation at www.hungertaskforce.org/dairy/
“The Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Partnership is the current best solution to feed the hungry while supporting Wisconsin dairy farmers and producers in these difficult and uncertain times.” – Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force Executive Director
Sarah Hetke
Sarah Hetke serves as WFBF’s director of communications. She is passionate about helping farmers share their stories and connecting consumers with those to grow and raise the food they eat.
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