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The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today applauded the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (WDATCP) award of $10 million via the Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant to Feeding Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force.

Governor Tony Evers created the grant program in May, directing Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act monies to support families facing hunger as well as food producers and processors facing new challenges as a result of the pandemic.

During the grant application period, WCMA worked directly with hunger relief organizations, connecting them with Wisconsin dairy manufacturers and processors that will supply cheese, yogurt, butter, and cottage cheese statewide.

WCMA Communications, Education, and Policy Director Rebekah Sweeney released this statement, following WDATCP’s award announcement:

“The coronavirus pandemic brought the closure of restaurants and schools nationwide, triggering tremendous losses in Wisconsin’s dairy industry. It also left millions of Americans jobless, creating an unprecedented demand for food aid.

“We thank Governor Tony Evers for creating the Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant, which will address needs from farm to table, stabilizing the food supply chain in a time of great volatility.

“WCMA members are proud to continue to fulfill the essential, critical mission of making delicious, nutritious cheese and dairy products for their neighbors, their state, their country, and the world.”