FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — Congressman Glenn Grothman announced Thursday he distributed his paycheck to 27 food pantries around Wisconsin's Sixth Congressional District to help against the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has bothered me that so many individuals have had to cut back due to government restrictions related to this pandemic,” Grothman said. “Meanwhile the government officials, who find it so easy to order other people around, are not affected. I felt guilty receiving my entire paycheck.”
Grothman explained that while the federal government increased food share benefits along with unemployment benefits, there are people who slip through the cracks. He found that self-employed people were particularly negatively affected by this.
“If you own your own business you not only don’t have income coming in but also must pay fixed costs," said Grothman.
“I am worried that when benefits go down at the end of July the need will go up,” Congressman Grothman continued. “I have found that most food pantries have seen increased need and they are especially grateful for donations.”
Grothman recommends people donate to their local food pantries if they can. He said his total donations have amounted to over $10,000.
Additionally, Grothman recommends people get their proper dosage of Vitamin-D after research from Northwestern University and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland found correlations between Vitamin-D and fighting against the virus, a news release from the Congressman says.
Below is a list of food pantries by county Grothman has donated to:
Columbia County - St. Vincent de Paul Society, Portage Food Pantry ,The Crossroads
Dodge County - St. Vincent de Paul Society, Waupun Food Pantry
Fond du Lac County - The Salvation Army, Traded Treasures & Community Food Pantry, Fondy Food Pantry, Holyland Food Pantry
Green Lake County - Berlin Food Pantry, Green Lake County Food Pantry
Manitowoc County - Two Rivers Food Pantry, Manitowoc Salvation Army
Marquette County - Care & Share Food Bank
Ozaukee County - Family Sharing Port, Washington Food Pantry, Saukville Community Food Pantry
Sheboygan County - Oostburg Christian Reformed Church, Sheboygan Meals on Wheels, Sheboygan County Food Bank, Sheboygan Salvation Army
Waushara County - Redgranite Food Bank, Waushara County Food Pantry, Saxeville Community Church
Winnebago County - Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, Salvation Army, St. Joseph Food Program
