Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) Inc., has arranged for an expanded holiday food distribution this Friday, Dec. 4, in Eagle River, according to FORK President Perry Pokrandt

FORK, in collaboration with the Northland Pines High School Student Council, administration and staff, will distribute approximately $140,000 of food through the Farmers to Families program. 

The holiday food distribution will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the rear parking lot of the Northland Pines Middle and High School building. 

Individuals who plan to receive food should enter the Northland Pines High School’s rear parking lot off Pleasure Island Road. For everyone’s safety, individuals should remain in their vehicle and open their hatch or trunk. Volunteers will place the food boxes in the vehicle.

All area residents are eligible to drive through and claim one of 2,800 food boxes shipped and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This holiday food distribution is a nationwide partnership between the USDA, farmers, ranchers, specialty crop producers, food processors and distributors, and nonprofit organizations like FORK.

FORK was involved in two previous food distribution events in St. Germain earlier this fall.

“By expanding this holiday distribution from our last distribution of 1,200 boxes up to 2,800 boxes of food, we plan on providing each family with two boxes of food,” added Pokrandt.

To make this last food drop of the year a reality, FORK again will collaborate with the Vilas County Department of Emergency Management.

“Everyone is eligible, and everyone is welcome,” said Sherri Congleton, director of the Vilas County Office of Emergency Management. “Remember, these boxes will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.” 

For questions regarding the food distribution, call Pokrandt at (715) 410-8167.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.