DHFS Sponsers Giving to
Food Pantries Statewide
MADISON (June 2, 2004) – Department of Health and Family Services Secretary Helene Nelson has joined Governor Jim Doyle in recognizing June 3 as Hunger Awareness Day. Nelson also noted that June is both “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month” and “Dairy Month.”
“No one in Wisconsin should be hungry,” said Nelson. “Sadly, during summer when school lets out, children lose access to school lunch and breakfast programs. That puts more pressure on family food budgets and forces many to seek help from food banks.”
The Secretary encouraged needy families to take advantage of programs that help supplement food budgets, and encouraged communities to contribute generously to food pantries. “We want everyone who is eligible for Food Stamps to get the help they need to feed themselves and their families,” Nelson said. “We also want to support the efforts of people throughout our state who are sharing food through food pantries and other local efforts. Together, we must work to eliminate hunger in Wisconsin."
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services administers several programs including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the Food Stamp Program, increase access to food for eligible participants. As part of the Governor’s KidsFirst Initiative, the Department is spearheading efforts to make sure eligible families benefit from the Food Stamp program.
“We offer programs to prevent hunger, but we also promote healthy lifestyles such as eating fruits and vegetables and increasing physical activity,” said Nelson. Examples of these programs include the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs which offer checks to qualified participants to buy fresh Wisconsin grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs at approved farmers' markets during the summer months.
The Secretary noted that during of June, the Department of Health and Family Services is sponsoring a Department-wide food-drive with the collections going to local food pantries. “I encourage everyone in our state to consider ways they can support their local community food pantry,” said Nelson..
“June 1st marks the beginning date for when the WIC Farmers’ Market checks may be used at approved Wisconsin farmers’ markets,” said Nelson. For WIC participants, these checks are in addition to their regular WIC checks for nutritious foods. WIC participants also receive nutrition information and counseling, and referrals to other services. The Department also coordinates the 5 A Day Program, which provides resources, such as recipes, to promote the eating of fruits and vegetables.
June is the perfect time to enjoy the variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs available at local farmers' markets in Wisconsin. The DHFS says by eating more fruits and vegetables, you may reduce your risk for certain types of cancers and chronic diseases, such as overweight and obesity. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and are naturally low in fat and calories. Eating more fruits and vegetables and being physically active are healthy lifestyle strategies that can be adopted by everyone. The Department is supporting these strategies through its programs and its partnerships with the Governor's office and local agencies across the state.
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