WCMA Applauds Evers, Hesselbein for $10M Investment in Food Security and Local Food Systems

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today applauded Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and State Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) for their work to secure $10 million over the 2025-27 biennium to bolster Wisconsin’s emergency food network and increase access to nutritious milk, cheese, and other dairy products, as well as meat, fruits, and vegetables from local farmers and food manufacturers.

“Dairy processors are committed to an essential mission: creating delicious, nutritious foods to feed the world,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy. “Governor Evers and Senator Hesselbein are helping to ensure that milk, cheese, and yogurt from America’s Dairyland is available to our neighbors facing food insecurity, as well.”

Across Wisconsin, food banks and pantries are experiencing record levels of demand. According to Feeding Wisconsin, 1 in 8 people in the state are food insecure.  Hunger Task Force reports a 35 percent increase in the number of people and families requesting emergency food aid and nutrition program support in the past year. At the same time, many of Wisconsin’s agricultural producers face challenges related to international market volatility, a labor shortage, and supply chain shifts. 

“Directing $10 million to address food insecurity with local food products is a win-win for Wisconsin, and WCMA members are ready to again partner with hunger relief organizations to serve families across the state while growing their businesses and our agricultural economy,” said Sweeney.

The $10 million secured by Evers and Hesselbein in budget negotiations will be directed to the Food Security Initiative grant program at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which has effectively administered $65 million in similar funding in recent years.  WCMA members have proudly advocated for these dollars throughout the budget cycle.