Local food pantries receive donations from Mayo Clinic Health System
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - As many communities face food insecurity, Mayo Clinic Health System is donating $6,750 to food pantries across Southwest Wisconsin.
According to MCHS, food insecurity can be detrimental to individuals' health and well-being, especially during COVID-19. Family Medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Onalaska Ben Dilger said, "Food security is a major component of well-being, and food insecurity has negative effects on health."
Dilger also noted a recent increase in food insecurity. "This year, there's a greater need for charitable giving to food pantries and other charitable organizations due to unemployment and underemployment, and that need will continue now and the months to come," said Dilger.
Executive Director at The Food Basket Ruth Krett agrees, stating Mayo's donation couldn't have come at a better time. "With the hardships brought about by COVID, we absolutely could use the extra help," said Krett. "Demand is high, and I expect it will be for the foreseeable future."
The Food Basket is just one of the organizations receiving Mayo Clinic Health Systems' donation. Other recipients include:
- Neighbor for Neighbor Inc. in Tomah.
- Couleecap Inc., located in Sparta and Prairie du Chien.
- Onalaska/Holmen Emergency Food Basket and WAFER in La Crosse
- Semcac in Caledonia, Minnesota.
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission/Thrift Store in Arcadia.
