La Crosse – This afternoon, Representative Jill Billings and Representative Tara Johnson held a press conference and emergency food drive to discuss the pause in federal FoodShare assistance and encourage donations to food pantries like WAFER.
Representatives Billings and Johnson released the following statement:
“I am grateful to everyone in our community who has joined us in donating to food pantries in this time of need. Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites rely on FoodShare, including over 250,000 children, Because the Trump Administration has chosen not to utilize more than $5 billion in federal contingency funds, those Wisconsinites are at risk of going hungry in the coming days.”
“I am encouraging everyone who can to donate food to help our community members during this trying time. Organizations including WAFER, the Hunger Task Force, Feeding America, Couleecap, and the Salvation Army are accepting donations and working to distribute food. Together, we can help take care of our neighbors and step up for those among us who are suffering during this shutdown.”
Representative Johnson released the following statement:
“There are over 1,300 households in Vernon County that rely on FoodShare Benefits. These individuals are the ones who need our help the most. They are families, the elderly, people who cannot work, or people who are working hard, but not making enough to get by. The chaos in D.C. is putting healthcare, essential services, and economic stability at risk. It is necessary for Republicans and Democrats to work together in Congress to reopen the government, and do the right thing for Wisconsin families.”
