Newspapers raise $640,000 to fight Wisconsin hunger

GREEN BAY (AP) - Hunger-relief programs across Wisconsin will share more than $600,000, thanks to the fundraising efforts of newspapers in 10 Gannett Wisconsin Media markets.

The "Stock the Shelves" program collected donations from readers and others in 10 markets: Appleton, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids.

This year's program raised almost $640,000. The money will benefit 89 food pantries and programs across the state.

The top fundraising site was The Post-Crescent of Appleton, which collected $285,000. The money will help 23 pantries and programs in its coverage area.

Post-Crescent executive editor Dan Flannery says when a large media organization joins forces with community-minded residents, great things can happen.

Over the past three years, the program has brought in more than $1.7 million.