VIROQUA, WI — This afternoon, Representative Tara Johnson (D – Town of Shelby) held an emergency food drive and press conference at Living Faith Food Pantry in Viroqua. She was joined by Becki Rider (Food Pantry Manager of Living Faith Food Pantry), Julie Fraser (Communications Youth & Family Director for Immanuel Lutheran Church), Hetti Brown (Executive Director of Couleecap), Courtney Havel (Foundation & Marketing Director of Bethel Butikk Food Pantry), and State Senator Brad Pfaff. Members of the community rose to the occasion and provided essential food donations to both Bethel Butikk Food Pantry and Living Faith Food Pantry. The speakers highlighted the impact of the federal government shutdown on FoodShare benefits and other programs that impact food assistance in the 96th Assembly District.
In her comments, Representative Tara Johnson made the following statement:
“What we’re seeing here today is a rapid response to dysfunction in Washington. I am not interested in pointing fingers, placing blame, or talking partisan politics today at all. What I am interested in is our federal elected officials getting back to work and making sure that, not only FoodShare benefits, but the other issues related to this shutdown are addressed. We have to be here to draw attention to the fact that it is October 31st and tonight marks the end of FoodShare benefits right now because of the inaction in D.C.
“There is $6 billion available that could be allocated by the federal government to continue FoodShare benefits, and those decision makers have not done their job. There are about 700,000 Wisconsinites, including almost a quarter million children, who receive FoodShare benefits that will end at midnight today. I am incredibly grateful for the local response to our community’s need. I recommend reaching out to your local food pantry to ask what items are most in need.”
