Moola for Milk gains support

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Holding the Thrivent check, from left to right, are Barbara Nelson, Team Leader, and David Steffen, Thrivent Financial Associate; in the middle row are Lois Michaelson and Audrey Severson; in the back row are Darlene Olson, Barbara Dull, Darlene Sittlow and Duana Bremer, Salvation Army. Submitted photo

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The Moola for Milk fundraiser conducted during September, October and November gained support of 42 congregations and over 10 businesses in St. Croix and Pierce counties.

As of Nov. 30, participants raised a total of $12,095.08, including a $1,600 supplemental fund donation from the Pierce-St. Croix Chapter of Thrivent for Lutherans, Care Abounds in Community fund. This collection will purchase many gallons of milk for families visiting food pantries and for participants of school-based Backpack Programs in the two counties.

Milk and other dairy products are important parts of a complete nutritional diet. While food pantries provide a variety of foods, meat and sometimes fresh produce, none have the funding, product availability or storage capacity for milk.

Numerous local grocery and convenience stores make milk available to families by redeeming coupons for milk participants receive in visiting a local food pantry or who have children enrolled in the Backpack Program.

Although the U.S. is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, disparity between rich and poor is comparatively high and that gap continues to grow. Compounding this problem is the current economic crisis the country faces. As a result, food insecurity remains a primary concern within many households.

A service team of seven members began meeting in early spring to plan and organize the fundraiser. Moola for Milk milk jugs were placed in participating businesses and used in congregations to gather funds, along with paper cows being sold in local grocery stores. The event was a partnership with the Salvation Army, which serves as the fiscal agent of the funds and distributes milk coupons to the food pantries and Backpack programs.

Tags: pierce county, st croix county, salvation army, moola for milk, thrivant for lutherans, business, ellsworth