The Dennis and Bonnie Ferstenou Family Endowment Fund was established to support nonprofit organizations in Chippewa County that promote food security, including community tables and food pantries.

Dennis and Bonnie Ferstenou are lifelong residents of Chippewa County, having grown up in Bloomer and New Auburn, respectively. Through years of service to local community tables and their involvement in many community organizations and causes, they have developed a strong understanding of the challenges many families face in accessing reliable food within Chippewa County.

Bonnie's participation with the Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership Food Initiative Assessment Team Sub-Committee further deepened their awareness of the need to ensure access to quality, affordable food for all the county residents. This experience inspired Dennis and Bonnie to establish a fund through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, that will serve as a source of funding for local nonprofit organizations that address food insecurity among adults and children.

The fund will provide annual grants for expenses to qualifying nonprofit organizations that work to provide food security in Chippewa County. Food security is essential to provide access that all people, at all times, have sufficient food and nutrition that is necessary for a healthy and productive life.