La Crosse Local, Dylan Overhouse Productions, Mike Makes, and Bao Xiong, founder of the For Independent Hmong Farmers Corp. are kicking off an area fundraiser and cooking show in support of area Hmong farmers.
As with any small business owners, the pandemic in 2020 left a substantial economic impact on the Hmong farmer vendors such as experiencing a higher volume of profit loss in 2020 compared to previous years; in some cases, vendors made half their annual income.
Though this unique group of farmer vendors experienced financial difficulty in 2020, farmers still supported the community by donating to the Hunger Task Force and other food banks on a regular basis. This year, their struggles have already begun with costs associated with starting up gardens for the 2021 season; purchasing seeds, plant starters, supplies, land rental, and equipment maintenance such as tillers. The money raised through the “Cooking with Bao” fundraiser will help relieve them of some of the financial impacts from the pandemic, for which for many, had no aid to help them throughout the year.
For Independent Hmong Farmers Corp. is asking individuals and supporters to help with the campaign and encourage area businesses to invest in the Hmong Farmers community that keeps our farmers market vibrant, and packed with fresh fruits and vegetables.
The fundraiser will include a variety of fundraising activities throughout the campaign, including a series of LIVE streamed cooking shows with Bao Xiong, Bao will be teaching Hmong and Hmong/American recipes, using ingredients that you can commonly find at local farmers markets and co-ops. The campaign will culminate by August 1st with the dispersal of the community-raised funds to area farmers. The menu will be released soon.
100% of the money raised through the “Cooking with Bao” fundraiser will go directly to Hmong farmers to help relieve them of some of the financial impacts from the pandemic, which for many, had no aid to help them throughout the year.
The fundraising window runs now until August 1st, donations may be sent to:
Independent Hmong Farmers Corp. (501c3)
P.O. Box 578
La Crosse, WI 54602
Fundraiser opportunities, cooking show stream schedules, and a menu will be coming soon.
Interested communities members may donate online at GoFundMe.
For Independent Hmong Farmers Corp. (501c3)
For Independent Hmong Farmers Corp. is a nonprofit organization focused on bringing awareness about Hmong farmer vendors and preventing local produce waste and hunger in the community through financial assistance programs for independent Hmong farmers who donate produce to food pantries and nonprofit organizations. https://www.facebook.com/forindependenthmongfarmerscorp
Dylan Overhouse Productions
Dylan Overhouse Productions brings a unique and creative vision to provide videography and photography packages to artists, commercial entities, and the community of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and beyond. dylanoverhouseproductions.com
La Crosse Local
La Crosse Local is an art, food, and entertainment podcast and publication for La Crosse County and its surrounding communities. Find us online at lacrosselocal.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Mike Makes
Mike Makes is a freelance video, photography, and motion graphics service based in La Crosse Wisconsin creating commercials and promotions for area businesses, and artists. mike-makes.com
Media Contact
Bao Xiong
Founder
For Independent Hmong Farmer’s Fundraiser
kabaoxiong@gmail.com
facebook.com/forindependenthmongfarmerscorp
Brent Hanifl
Media Director
River Travel Media
brent@rivertravel.org
608-461-2485
rivertravelmedia.com
lacrosselocal.com
rivertravelmagazine.com
