Badger Boxes feed local families in need
Pork, eggs and milk were bagged individually to be loaded into the vehicles of those taking home the Badger Boxes July 13. (Photos by Correne Martin)
A line of cars stretched all the way down Wacouta Avenue for several blocks from the food pantry.
Pictured is just half of what each family of four took home thanks to the Badger Boxes distribution from the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse.
Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution project crew members, and volunteers from the Couleecap Food Pantry helped unload the semi of food.
By Correne Martin
Around 250 Badger Boxes—filled with dairy products, cheeses, meats, fruits and grains purchased from Wisconsin farmers and food producers—were distributed in Prairie du Chien July 13, by the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse in collaboration with the Couleecap Food Pantry.
About a dozen men from the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution project crew, led by Sgt. Dave Bowen, also provided manpower for unloading the boxes of food upon arrival, setting up tables, organizing and bagging the distributions, and loading vehicles. Lines of cars stretched from behind Couleecap and down Wacouta Avenue, and up Wisconsin Street as well.
These Badger Boxes were given out for those who self-declared income eligible. Each family of four could receive a gallon of milk, plus a box and a bag of goods, which included cheese, butter, onions, coleslaw, granola, baked beans, jelly, bacon, pork, eggs, and more.
Couleecap Director Jann Sturmer said there was actually about 40 boxes left over after last week’s distribution.
The Hunger Task Force will return once a month through December to distribute more Badger Boxes in a similar manner.
The 18,000 boxes per month that will be handed out across the state are paid for through a $15 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act through the Wisconsin Department of Trade, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. Anyone with questions should contact the local food pantry.
