CHIPPEWA FALLS – A large donation of nutritious protein found its way from family farms to Wisconsin families this week when 35,000 pounds of pork was delivered to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The donation, made by Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE) in partnership with Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), is part of a five-state giving effort totaling 175,000 pounds of pork that also supports food banks in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
“This incredibly generous donation of pork will have a direct and immediate impact for families across Eastern Wisconsin,” said Liz Wollenberg, Chief Systems and Strategy Officer for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “Protein is essential to a balanced diet but often the hardest item for our food pantry partners to keep in stock. We’re grateful to Wisconsin Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprises for helping us meet that need and for showing how Wisconsin’s agricultural community plays a vital role in feeding our neighbors.”
“Farmers know what it means to put food on the table,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden, a dairy farmer from Westby, Wisconsin. “This donation is one small way we can ensure that the food we grow reaches families who need it most. At a time when grocery costs remain high and many are feeling the pinch, it’s important that we continue to take care of one another and strengthen our local food systems.”
FUE comprises several member-owned businesses whose dividends help fund Farmers Union organizations across five states. The donated pork came from Redwood Farms in Estherville, Iowa, which supplies premium pork products to high-end restaurants nationwide. Redwood Farms is unique in its commitment to providing farmers with fair market prices for hogs that may not meet the strict size or uniformity standards required by larger processing plants.
Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger relief organization in Wisconsin, with food banks in Milwaukee and Appleton. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the organization is a locally led and independently operated member of the national Feeding America network of food banks. In collaboration with nearly 600 hunger relief partners and trusted community-based programs, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin provides healthy, nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger across 35 counties in Eastern Wisconsin. Committed to building stronger, healthier communities, the organization works to address the root causes of hunger through education, strategic partnerships, and innovative community-centered solutions. Learn more at FeedingAmericaWI.org.
