The Weekend Food Programs for Students — serving the School Districts of Albany, Black Hawk, Brodhead, Juda, Monticello, New Glarus, and Pecatonica — are pleased to announce generous grant awards from two valued community partners: We Energies Foundation and Only In Wisconsin Giving. These grant funds are used solely to purchase food for students participating in these seven school programs.
The We Energies Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education, and the environment. We Energies has been a long‑standing supporter of the Weekend Food Programs for Students, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to reducing food insecurity for local children.
Only In Wisconsin Giving, the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company, partners with organizations in our local community and high‑impact nonprofits throughout Wisconsin. Their primary focus includes food insecurity, housing, healthcare, education, and conservation — foundational supports that help individuals lead independent, prosperous, and happy lives. We are proud to have earned their financial support across multiple years.
Students participating in each school’s program receive a weekend food backpack filled with nutritious, easy‑to‑prepare foods. Our mission is simple and urgent: to ensure every student has enough food to remain nourished over the weekend so they can return to school on Monday ready to learn. All funds raised by volunteers — including grant funds — are used exclusively to purchase food, primarily through Second Harvest Food Bank in Madison. There are no charges to taxpayers, parents, caretakers, students, or the schools.
These contributions significantly increase each program’s ability to provide reliable weekend nutrition for students who may otherwise face hunger during weekends and school breaks. In 2025, the programs provided 11,655 weekend food backpacks and 92,639 snacks — both in classrooms and in backpacks — ensuring students across our districts have consistent access to the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the We Energies Foundation and Only In Wisconsin Giving,” said volunteer coordinator Jeannie Blumer. “Their commitment to ending weekend food insecurity for students reflects the best of Wisconsin’s community spirit. These funds allow us to expand our reach and ensure students have the maximum opportunity to succeed in school.”
To join We Energies Foundation and Only In Wisconsin Giving as partners in eliminating weekend food insecurity for area students, donations may be made to Caring For Kids, Inc. (CFK), PO Box 969, New Glarus, WI 53574, the 501(c)(3) pass-through organization for all seven programs. CFK’s nonprofit status allows each program to maintain a contract with Second Harvest Food Bank. Please specify which program you would like your gift to support. Because donations remain with the designated program, your selection is important.
Together, we can end weekend food insecurity and allow students to return to school on Monday, fully nourished, maximizing their ability to learn.
