Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire donated $30,000 to help increase food security in Western Wisconsin. Recipients of the funding included: Ruby’s Pantry in Cameron, Stepping Stones of Dunn County and The Community Table in Eau Claire.

Ruby’s Pantry in Cameron will use the funding for their Healthy Meals Initiative to purchase additional pallets of protein to provide to Ruby’s Pantry guests. Shortly after the onset of the pandemic, suppliers were sending less options for protein while other non-protein products still arrived in ample supply. For the senior citizens and low-income guests relying on the protein-rich foods to sustain them through the month, the loss of this was heartbreaking. The purchase of additional protein products will sufficiently augment their food shares, resulting in a well-balanced and well-stocked pantry that will see pantry guests through the month. 
The funding contribution to Stepping Stones of Dunn County will be utilized to support the Farmers Feed Program—a program that partners with local growers to distribute quality fresh fruit and vegetables to the food insecure throughout Menomonie and rural Dunn County. Various programs at the organization serve more than 5,000 unduplicated individuals annually; all recipients of food assistance at Stepping Stones will receive fresh produce through this program.
The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors: Daily Meal Service program at The Community Table in Eau Claire will benefit from the dollars by continuing to offer a balanced, nutritious meal 365 days a year in a safe, welcoming environment to residents in the Chippewa Valley. Through this effort the organization serves close to 100 people daily and works to connect those in need with existing community resources. 
Mayo Clinic Health System recognizes the importance of supporting organizations and programs that aim to increase food security in our communities.