Despite Economy, Secret Santa Strikes Again with $73,050 Gift

 Generous History of Giving Dates Back to 1983 

Milwaukee, Wis. – In the midst of a struggling economy, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has received an anonymous $73,050 gift.  This anonymous donor has a very generous history of giving to the food bank.  Since 1983, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has received an anonymous gift from this person each year totaling more than $2.3 million.  “This gift couldn’t have come at a better time. Many people are struggling to provide enough food for their families. What better gift than the gift of food to help feed hungry people,” said Bonnie Bellehumeur, president of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.  Demand for food is up 22% compared to last year.

Families who rely on Feeding America always feel an extra pinch in the pocketbook during the holidays because of the added expenses related to home heating.  43% of the families that rely on Feeding America for food are already choosing between paying their utilities and buying groceries.  This gift will help provide food for those who might otherwise go without this holiday.  “We are humbled and at the same time extremely grateful that this person recognizes this basic need for the less fortunate,” Bellehumeur added.

Individuals interested in making a donation to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin can visit www.feedingamericawi.org and shop the online grocery store, Online Harvest.  Simply shop for the items you’d like to donate, make a secure credit card contribution and  Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin will purchase the items on the your behalf.  Anyone wishing to make a traditional food donation can drop off their food items in the Feeding America barrels at any Balistreri owned Sendik’s stores through the end of the year 

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Each year 235,000 people in Wisconsin rely on food supplied by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, formerly named America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin.  The food bank is the largest, private, non-profit distributor of food in the state. Feeding America Food Bank distributes nearly 12 million pounds of food annually to 1,100 food pantries, meal programs and shelters throughout Wisconsin.  Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is affiliated with Feeding America which is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient charities, out of the country’s 100 largest charities, by Forbes magazine.  Since 1982, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has distributed more than 250 million pounds of food.  To learn more about hunger in Wisconsin, log onto www.feedingamericawi.org.