Milwaukee Area Food Banks Receive Nearly 32,000 Pounds of Food Donated by Tyson Foods and LULAC

Today, Tyson Foods and LULAC donated nearly 32,000 pounds of protein to food banks in Milwaukee in order to help address hunger disparities in the area.  Attending the donation event, were representatives from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, UMOS Inc., Racine County Food Bank, Waukesha Food Pantry, and the Shalom Center.  UMOS hosted the donation event at their corporate office in Milwaukee.  

Wisconsin area food banks have been dramatically impacted by the economic downturn and cuts in funding.  According to a study released by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin entitled, Hunger in Wisconsin, in 2010 72% of pantries, 60% of soup kitchens and 64% of shelters say they are serving more clients than they did in 2006.  The same study revealed that 71% of households with children seeking food assistance are food insecure, meaning they don’t have adequate access to nutritious food.    

Meat and poultry are high quality sources of complete protein, and according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released by USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, protein is considered the most important macronutrient in the human diet. It provides essential amino acids, is a source of energy and is critical during growth and development. Meat and poultry are excellent sources of iron, which is especially important for women, children and adolescent girls, who are often deficient in iron. 

LULAC, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in America, among its goals, works to advance health disparities in the Hispanic community. 

“Through LULAC programs, services and advocacy, we tackle important issues such as hunger and malnutrition by making information and resources available to the community,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran.  That is why we are so pleased to partner with Tyson Foods which has made this very generous food donation in Milwaukee possible.” 

“This generous donation will add protein to the table for many children, families and seniors struggling with hunger.  We are thankful for partners like LULAC and Tyson for remembering those at-risk of hunger in our community,” said Bonnie Bellehumeur, President of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. 

UMOS operates the largest and most comprehensive job center in Wisconsin helping job seekers to find employment.  However, in order to help people find jobs, it’s critical to remove barriers to employment, like domestic violence issues, alcohol and drug abuse, transportation, child care and hunger.

 “It is difficult for job seekers to focus on getting a job during the day, if they are worried about feeding their children at night,” said Lupe Martinez, President and CEO of UMOS Inc. “In 2013, the UMOS food pantry distributed over 515,000 pounds of food to 11,250 families, including 14,800 children – that’s a 47% increase over 2012.” 

“While our hungry neighbors are at the forefront during the holiday season when we all counting our blessings, we often forget that hunger does not end with the holidays,” said Dan Taivalkoski, Executive Director of Racine County Food Bank.  “Thanks to generous contributions like the one Racine County received from Tyson Foods today, many of our less fortunate friends and neighbors in Racine County will not know hunger in the months ahead. Hunger is 100% Curable!” 

“This healthy and generous donation from LULAC and Tyson Foods will feed literally thousands of the people who come to the FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County each month,” said Karen Tredwell, Executive Director of Waukesha Food Pantry.  “We are grateful for caring and compassionate donors who show their concern for our neighbors in need.” 

“Thank you Tyson Foods and LULAC for this wonderful donation,” said Barb Madrigrano, Food Pantry Manager, Shalom Center. “The donation will help feed many Kenosha families in need. Shalom Center is grateful for the opportunity to provide our clients with Tyson chicken.