While the agriculture industry works hard to provide crops for stores and venues, it's just as vital for those who can't afford the food to have access to the industry's bounty as well. That's why Allied Cooperative in Adams, WI, has teamed up with Land O’Lakes once again to donate a total of $26,000 to food pantries. They made their donation in conjunction with a corporate match program through the Land O’Lakes Foundation called “Feeding Our Communities." 

Pantries in Adams-Friendship, Arcadia, Blair, Galesville, Mauston, Montello, Necedah, Plainfield, Plover, Tomah, and West Salem were recipients of the funds, with $2,000 going to each pantry. An additional $2,000 was delivered to the Beyond Blessed Pantry when they had an immediate need for a walk-in cooler and freezer earlier this summer.  

Shannon Howley of the Beyond Blessed Pantry serves one of the most financially strained areas in the state financially, Wisconsin Dells. The agriculture-based pantry went from serving 300 households per month to 350 households per week. In September, they served 1,600 households. They move 20–30,000 lbs. of food each week while being staffed entirely by volunteers who provide drive-thru and no-contact service. Each week, an average of 25 volunteers set up the service site, and 35 volunteers distribute the food.

The agriculture industry is set on giving back to the communities that are in need of support. If you’re looking for a place to volunteer and give back this holiday season and beyond, you can’t find a more worthy charity than your local food pantry, supported by Allied Cooperative. Whether it is through a donation of food, providing farming transportation, or supplying agriculture workers with needed supplies, they will provide ongoing support to their communities in need. Learn more about their mission online or call them at (800) 247-5679 to schedule their services.