The Tomah Health Community Foundation is working to get healthy food in the hands of struggling families in Monroe County. Foundation officials donated $2,500 to the Second Harvest Foodbank’s FoodShare Wisconsin program Nov. 13.
“Second Harvest is always near the top of our list to help out,” foundation president Brian Eirschele said of the donation. “They do such a wonderful job, especially our local community and it’s through the wonderful donations of our local community that we’re able to branch out and help with Second Harvest.”
It is the 11th year that the Foundation has supported Second Harvest.
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin FoodShare outreach specialist Brian Larson said the donation will support the Foodbank’s FoodShare program that allows eligible residents to receive a debit card that is loaded with FoodShare benefits that can be used at most grocery stores. “Food insecurity is a big issue,” said Larson. “One in 10 people in the state of Wisconsin is classified as food insecure. Many of them are kids and so kids that are hungry are going to be less involved or engaged in the school and there’s going to be health concerns,” explained Larson. “I like to think of food as medicine and the FoodShare program allows people to go into stores and buy food that will be helpful for them to become healthier and to become better nourished.”
Larson said while some have misconceptions about the program, it has been successful in helping people who need assistance. “There is a stigma involved with it and one of the things I hear quite often is that people don’t want to take away from somebody else that is worse off. I will tell them that FoodShare is a program that if you’re eligible, you’re going to get it and are they not taking anything away. It’s just a way to bring nutrition into your household.”
Second Harvest reports that the FoodShare program helps ensure potentially eligible participants learn how to obtain benefits while meeting community needs. In FY 2024, Second Harvest assisted with the submission of 32 FoodShare Wisconsin applications in Monroe County, which generated 25,578 meals for food-insecure Monroe County community members. The program also created $154,018 in economic impact in Monroe County, as the USDA estimates that every $5 of FoodShare benefits spent generates $9 in economic activity.
Second Harvest serves residents in Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk and Vernon counties. Residents can learn if they are eligible for the program by visiting GetAQuestCard.org or by calling the FoodShare Help Line at 1-877-366-3635.
Residents can learn if they are eligible for the program by calling the FoodShare Help Line at 1-877-366-3635. For additional information on the program, CLICK HERE.