Jefferson, Wisconsin – PremierBank is thrilled to announce the award of a $3,500 grant to the Jefferson Food Pantry (JFP) to support an urgent $15,000 project to replace the custom doors and electrical components of the pantry’s walk-in cooler and freezer. These units are critical for storing fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other perishable items that makeup approximately 50% of the food distributed to over 1,000 unique households each month.

“These cold storage units are the backbone of our food distribution process,” said Steve Adams, JFP Board President. “With pantry visits increasing by 123% over last year and 50 new families joining each month, this grant from PremierBank will help ensure we can continue providing fresh, nutritious food safely.”

JFP operates a “choice pantry” model, allowing guests to select groceries, hygiene products, and other essentials using a point-based system. In August 2024 alone, the pantry served 1,253 households, which included 1,675 adults, 1,081 children, and 602 seniors.

Additionally, the pantry’s twice-weekly gleaning program, which rescues surplus food from local retailers, relies heavily on cold storage to safely manage large quantities of perishable items. Last month, JFP rescued 56,400 pounds of food and distributed nearly 100,000 pounds to local families in need.

“PremierBank has always supported our communities, both in good times and in bad – it is part of our 160-year legacy,” said Kathy Rolfs, the bank’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officers. “We’re happy to contribute to help ensure this important equipment gets fixed so that the Jefferson Food Pantry can continue to provide healthy fresh foods to our friends and neighbors in need.”

As the need for pantry services grows, replacing these aging components ensures that food will be stored safely, and that the pantry can continue to serve its growing community.

PremierBank’s generous contribution is a significant step toward completing this essential project.

About Jefferson Food Pantry

The Jefferson Area Food Pantry serves residents within the Jefferson School District, providing comprehensive pantry services while also offering mobile food pantries to Jefferson and surrounding counties. JFP is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The organization’s values are reflected in its services, programs, and partnerships, ensuring all have the opportunity to thrive.

About PremierBank

PremierBank was established over 160 years ago in 1863 and remains a locally owned community bank that prides itself on building strong partnerships with the businesses and residents in Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties. PremierBank is committed to serving its customers with personalized service and convenient financial products as a trusted financial partner. With $561 million in assets, PremierBank has nine convenient office locations in Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Sullivan, and Whitewater, including a full-service Wealth Management division. For more information, visit www.bankwithpremier.com.