Combating Veteran Hunger

Our veterans have had experiences that most of us couldn’t begin to understand. Yet, despite their many sacrifices, veterans and active-duty military families still sometimes have to worry about putting food on the dinner table. Veterans fought bravely to make the nation a better place for us. As a community, we should fight to make it a better place for them by combating veteran hunger.

Our recent Combat Hunger food drive with Woodward Radio Group raised enough food and funds to provide over 10,000 meals to veterans facing hunger. Veterans, family of veterans, and members of the community came out to support vets who don’t have access to healthy and nutritious food.

​​Food donations from the event were taken to the Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP), that helps homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless. The program helps homeless veterans receive the job training, education, counseling and rehabilitative services they need to obtain steady employment, affordable housing and the skills to sustain a productive lifestyle. The goal of the VHRP is to break the cycle of homelessness and help veterans transition back into the mainstream of society.

“They do operate on a limited budget for things like food and so this donation would be hugely beneficial and would free up some meal-budget funds to go towards other supplies, programs, etc. to benefit our residents,” said Stephanie Wolfanger, Veterans Program Specialist for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program – Division of Veterans Services.

Cash donations from the event were distributed to Vets & Friends of Wisconsin Inc. and the Fox Valley Veterans Council. Both programs provide resources and services to active and retired military to improve their quality of life. We are grateful for the many sacrifices of our military personnel and thankful for the community that helps us solve veteran hunger.