By Ryma Lindquist, WWH Community Relations Director
BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the St. Croix Electric Cooperative Serves, Inc. Operation Round Up program. This philanthropic initiative supports local nonprofits and community-focused projects, made possible by cooperative members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar.
The funds will help Western Wisconsin Health expand its innovative Green Box Program, a sustainability initiative aligned with WWH’s mission to create a model of sustainable living through waste reduction and environmentally conscious practices.
The Green Box Program currently allows staff and community members to purchase reusable containers for meals and to-go items for a one-time fee of $10. The program has proven effective in reducing financial costs and environmental impact by decreasing reliance on single-use paper and plastic packaging. Additionally, WWH charges for the use of disposable containers, meaning the $10 fee for joining the Green Box Program often pays for itself after just a few uses, offering both a practical and sustainable solution.
“We are incredibly grateful to St. Croix Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program for supporting our vision of sustainable living,” said Garrett Pokela, Culinary Services Manager. “This funding will allow us to broaden the reach of our Green Box Program and continue to make meaningful strides in reducing waste levels in our environment.”
The Green Box Program is just one of the ways Western Wisconsin Health is fostering a healthier community for today and future generations.
For more information about WWH’s sustainability initiatives or how to participate in the Green Box Program, please contact Garrett Pokela at garrett.pokela@wwhealth.org.
Western Wisconsin Health is redefining rural healthcare by investing in a combined health and wellness mission, providing innovative, high-quality care while championing sustainable practices for the benefit of its patients, staff, and community. This is just one of many ways WWH lives their mission of “Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together.”
