Fondy Food Pantry is proud to be part of the expansion of Dairyland Delivery, a program run by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin in partnership with the Alliant Energy Foundation. This program brings fresh, Wisconsin-produced dairy directly to food pantries across Eastern Wisconsin, helping families access nutritious staples they might otherwise go without.
After a successful pilot in Greater Milwaukee in Fall 2024, Dairyland Delivery is now providing regular dairy deliveries to dozens of hunger relief partners. Fondy Food Pantry, along with Sheboygan County Food Bank and FOCUS Food Pantry, received three deliveries in September thanks to a generous donation from the Alliant Energy Foundation. Local vendors such as Pine River Dairy, Kemps, and Klondike Cheese Company supplied milk, butter, and yogurt for the families we serve.
“For many families visiting our local food pantries, dairy products are a rare and valuable find,” said Patti Habeck, President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “With the Alliant Energy Foundation’s support, we’re able to bring more fresh, nutritious options to more communities – rural and urban alike – on a scale we couldn’t reach during our pilot. This program is helping to close a critical nutrition gap with products made right here in Wisconsin.”
Dairy can be one of the hardest foods for pantries to provide due to cost, refrigeration needs, and short shelf life. With grocery prices continuing to rise, many families struggle to access staples like milk, cheese, and eggs – foods that nourish children, allow families to cook familiar recipes, and help maintain dignity and well-being.
“The Alliant Energy Foundation is proud to support our partners who work to combat food insecurity every day,” said Steve Schoof, director of corporate communications for Alliant Energy and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Board Member. “The opportunity to expand dairy product deliveries creates a direct impact for rural communities and helps us carry out our mission to serve customers.”
During the 2024 pilot, Dairyland Delivery reached more than a dozen Milwaukee-area pantries and over 600 families in just one month. In 2025, the program expands to recurring deliveries across three counties, extending into the rural communities served by Alliant Energy. Fondy Food Pantry was chosen as the first delivery site due to its location in the Alliant Energy service area and the strong need for perishable food.
Looking ahead, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin hopes to expand the program further by partnering with farmers, incorporating surplus dairy donations, and increasing shelf-stable options to meet growing demand.
For more information about Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Dairyland Delivery, visit FeedingAmericaWI.org.
