Wisconsin Food Banks Receive Protein Boost as Hunger Rises

GREEN BAY, WI – November 13, 2025 – As economic pressures continue to strain household budgets, food insecurity is on the rise in Wisconsin, particularly in Eastern and Northeastern regions. In response, Smithfield Foods and Festival Foods have announced significant protein donations to local food banks, providing a crucial lifeline to families struggling to put food on the table.

Smithfield Foods recently donated 34,000 pounds of protein to food banks across the state, while Festival Foods continues its long-standing commitment to fighting hunger through its “Food for Neighbors” program. The donations come at a critical time, as food banks report increased demand and dwindling supplies.

Rising Need, Strained Resources

According to Feeding America’s latest “Map the Meal Gap” study, roughly 1 in 8 people in Eastern Wisconsin are facing food insecurity – a notable increase from the previous year. Food banks across the region are reporting significant increases in client visits, with many serving new families who have never needed assistance before.

“We’re seeing a lot of working families coming through our doors,” said a representative from a local food bank. “They’re making difficult choices between paying rent, utilities, and buying groceries. The protein donations are a huge help, as it allows us to provide nutritious meals that are often unaffordable for our clients.”

Protein is a particularly valuable commodity for food banks, as it’s an essential nutrient that's often lacking in the diets of food-insecure individuals. Providing access to protein-rich foods can help improve overall health and well-being.

Smithfield and Festival Foods Step Up

Smithfield Foods’ donation is part of the company’s “Helping Hungry Homes” initiative, which has provided hundreds of millions of servings of protein to communities across the U.S. since 2008. The company has set a goal of donating 200 million servings of protein by 2025.

“We’re committed to fighting hunger and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food,” said a representative from Smithfield Foods. “Our protein donations are a way to support local food banks and help families in need.”

Festival Foods has been a long-time supporter of local food banks through its “Food for Neighbors” program. The program allows shoppers to contribute to local food pantries at checkout, and all donations stay within the communities where they are collected. To date, the program has raised over $3.6 million, benefitting nearly 50 local organizations.

“We believe in giving back to our communities and supporting those in need,” said a representative from Festival Foods. “Our ‘Food for Neighbors’ program is a way for our customers to join us in fighting hunger and making a difference.”

Beyond the Donations: Addressing Root Causes

While the protein donations are a welcome relief for food banks, experts emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to affordable housing all contribute to hunger.

“Donations are critical, but they’re not a long-term solution,” said a local social worker. “We need to address the systemic issues that are driving food insecurity and create opportunities for people to achieve economic stability.”

Efforts to address these issues include increasing access to affordable housing, expanding job training programs, and raising the minimum wage. Some organizations are also working to improve access to healthy food in underserved communities.

A Collaborative Effort

Combating food insecurity requires a collaborative effort from government, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals. By working together, it's possible to create a more food-secure future for all.

“It’s heartening to see companies like Smithfield and Festival Foods stepping up to address this critical issue,” said a representative from a local food bank coalition. “Their donations are making a real difference in the lives of families in need.”

As winter approaches, the demand for food assistance is expected to increase. Food banks are urging individuals and businesses to consider making a donation or volunteering their time to help those in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in the fight against hunger.

Resources for those seeking food assistance:

• Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/
• Food Pantries.org: https://www.foodpantries.org/
• Wisconsin FoodShare: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/