MILWAUKEE – (April 22, 2020) – The newly announced Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Program—a partnership between Hunger Task Force, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection—is in full swing. The first 2,480 gallons of fresh, whole milk were delivered to Hunger Task Force on Friday, 82% of which has already been distributed locally.
Hunger Task Force has committed up to $1 million to support the purchase, processing and distribution of milk from Wisconsin dairy farmers for hungry families throughout the state. With processing support from Kemps in Cedarburg and transportation support from Engelhardt Dairy in Kewaskum, more than 900 cases of fresh milk will be distributed throughout Wisconsin per week.
Milk isn’t the only dairy item being produced. Hunger Task Force is also working with several Wisconsin cheese producers to offer variety and versatility to hungry families. Chalet Cheese Cooperative is one such organization that plans to produce high quality Baby Swiss cheese for distribution. Chalet Cheese is a small cheese factory owned by 13 family farms in Green County, Wis. whose farmers and cheesemakers are heavily involved in the organization’s decisions and operations.
“Chalet Cheese Co-op is grateful to be partnering with Hunger Task Force during this trying time,” said Mike Hlubek, General Manager of Chalet Cheese. “We are honored to provide our nutritious cheese to the many people struggling to put food on their table. Hunger Task Force is not only feeding people in need, but is also helping to keep our Wisconsin farmer-owned cheese factory in business.”
Chalet Cheese Cooperative was founded in 1885 by five dairy farmers and today continues to work solely with its members to supply milk. They specialize in making Limburger, Brick, Baby Swiss, and Swiss, with an emphasis on top quality and true workmanship. The quality of Chalet's cheeses are recognized often, winning numerous awards in national and worldwide cheese competitions.
In addition to Chalet Cheese Cooperative, Hunger Task Force will also be working with Clock Shadow Creamery in Milwaukee to create and distribute cheese curds, Rolling Hills Dairy Producers in Monroe for cheese curds, and Winona Foods, Inc. in Green Bay for cheese shreds and slices. This cheese will be produced and distributed to the statewide Hunger Task Force network over the next six weeks.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the passionate, caring people in Wisconsin’s dairy industry to get this milk and cheese to hungry families,” said Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Hunger Task Force. “To be able to support Wisconsin farmers while also getting food to those who need it most is one thing to feel good about during the pandemic.”
Last week, long-time partner of Hunger Task Force, Sargento, announced that it would also be supporting Wisconsin’s dairy lovers with a generous gift. The donation of string cheese sticks will benefit Hunger Task Force locally. The first truckload of cheese will arrive at Hunger Task Force next week, and continue for six weeks total.
Hunger Task Force will continue to support the purchase and production of milk and cheese statewide until any federal support is able to supplement Wisconsin’s dairy industry. In the meantime, Hunger Task Force graciously accepts and encourages the public to support the Dairy Recovery Program with an online donation. Funds committed to the recovery will be used to purchase, process and distribute
milk and dairy products. Donations can be made at www.HungerTaskForce.org/dairy.
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