Co-op dairies have joined an effort by cheesemakers in Wisconsin, USA, to help those affected by Hurricane Irma by sending 30,000lb of cheese.

Wisconsin cheesemakers and dairies coordinated the statewide effort via the farmer-owned and farmer-led Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB), and the Independent Procurement Alliance Program (IPAP).

Foremost Farms USA Cooperative, Maple Leaf Cheese Co-op, Swiss Valley Farms Co-op and Valley View Cheese Co-op were among 17 companies from the state to contribute to the aid package.

“It is an honour to deliver the generous donation from Wisconsin cheesemakers to those who need it in Florida,” said Scott Eithun, president of IPAP.

“We saw an outpouring of support and gratitude from Texans when Wisconsin sent a cheese donation after Hurricane Harvey. We were devastated by the news Floridians were in the same situation shortly afterwards, so Wisconsinites came together again in an even bigger way.”

On Wednesday, Feeding South Florida received 30,000 pounds of Wisconsin Cheese to provide families with nutritious food. The 32 pallets arrived at Feeding South Florida which distributes to a network of 400 partner agencies throughout the community to get the food into the hands of those who need it most.

“Feeding South Florida appreciates this donation, especially after Hurricane Irma when many lost their perishable items, and as we near the holiday season,” said Sari Vatske, vice president of community relations at Feeding South Florida.