The Wisconsin Dairy Industry Wednesday announced the Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Program.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection have joined forces with the state’s leading anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force, by connecting milk to emergency food organizations throughout the state.
With the substantial support of the local individual donor community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hunger Task Force will commit up to $1 million to the newly created Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Program.
Wisconsin dairy farmers will be paid to supply milk to farmer-owned dairy cooperative Kemps, who will process the milk.
Hunger Task Force will distribute milk to free and local partner food banks and food pantries through the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin.
The $45.6 billion dairy industry in Wisconsin is dealing with a sudden loss of business in schools and restaurants that account for nearly half the market.
Without action, the groups say the entire state will feel the consequences and additional losses from a dairy and supply chain perspective.