NEW GLARUS — In late February, the South-Central Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union held its first virtual meeting of the year, with nearly two dozen members in attendance. 

The group discussed a wide range of topics, including policy initiatives agreed upon at the recent WFU State Convention, WFU’s push for farmer-labor solidarity and Farmers Union’s priorities regarding the upcoming Wisconsin State Budget. Also on the agenda were updates on farmer-led meat processing, food distribution and natural-fiber cooperatives being established right here in South Central Wisconsin and the Chapter’s offer of scholarships to area individuals interested in attending an upcoming Spanish-language webinar series on sustainable farming.

The highlight of the meeting, however, was the Chapter’s annual presentation of the Golden Cupcake award, which recognizes local people who have made a real difference in the lives of others. This year, the Chapter partnered with the Green County Multicultural Outreach Program (MCOP) to acknowledge Maribel Lobato and Santos Tinoco of the Veracruz Mexican Market and Cynthia Villavicencio, Direct Services Bilingual Consultant for MCOP. 

The Farmers Union and MCOP thanked these folks for their outstanding service to the community, in particular to farm workers and Spanish-speaking families. Both organizations believe that Lobato, Tinoco and Villavicencio have helped to make this a more vibrant, open and culturally diverse place for all to live.