After a devastating summer, families in Grant County continue to rebound from flooding.
Many who are returning home are now facing economic hardship. As people work to rebuild their homes and their lives, they are sometimes struggling to put food on the table.
Since June, Northern Grant County Food Pantry, part of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, has seen a surge in people seeking supplemental groceries and support. The community has continually supported the pantry through volunteering and donations. Earlier this year, local farmer Patrick Adams supported the pantry with a $2,500 donation through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.
The receipt of the donation was especially timely, as it helped feed 146 families during the month of June. “We are very grateful for all the support we have received in the past,” said Michelle Friedrich, special services coordinator of Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, which operates the food pantry. “We are still seeing the effects of the economic downturn and the flooding in Boscobel. Being selected for the America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation helps SWCAP continue to provide nutritious food to support those in our community who need it the most.”
SWCAP operates six food pantries in Grant, Richland, Iowa, Lafayette and Green counties. Their Lafayette County Food Pantry also received a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation earlier this year.
“This year alone, our budget has been cut 13 percent, and we have seen increases in the number of families visiting our pantries, including a 5 percent increase in northern Grant County and a 29 percent increase in Lafayette County,” said Friedrich.
Every county served by SWCAP is eligible to receive an America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation. Farmers can enter for a chance to direct a donation to their local food pantry or favorite non-profit at GrowCommunities.com, and may select SWCAP food pantries as the donation recipient in December during winner notifications.
America’s Farmers Grow Communities gives winning farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit organization in their county. Farmers have helped fund more than 5,200 organizations in rural America through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Farmers and rural community members can visit GrowCommunities.com and register to win or submit an idea in need of funding.
