$1.5M boosts local food access in Wisconsin

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is bringing fresh, local food to underserved communities thanks to a $1.5 million grant program. Nine organizations received funding through the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (WI LFPA) Community Partners Grants.

This one-time USDA grant aims to bridge the gap between Wisconsin farmers and those struggling with food insecurity. Awarded organizations will purchase and distribute locally grown, raised, or minimally processed food at no cost to residents in need.

Here's how the grant recipients will make a difference:

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin will provide Tribal Elder Food Boxes to all 11 federally recognized Tribes in the state.
Hunger Task Force will stock food pantries in 30 food-insecure counties with fresh produce from disadvantaged Wisconsin farmers.
Juneau County will offer home-delivered meals, pop-up events, and micro-CSAs featuring local produce, honey, and other goodies.
Community Action Coalition will distribute local food through partner pantries and leverage relationships to source diverse options.
Central Rivers Farmshed will expand its Farm, Fresh and Free program, supporting hunger relief partners and eligible community members with local produce.
Wello, Inc. will broaden access to locally sourced produce in Northeast Wisconsin through their community-led food distribution system.
Stepping Stones will bolster the Farmers Feed Dunn County program by obtaining protein and diverse produce from local farmers.
Hmong American Center will partner with farmers' markets to provide culturally appropriate food for the Southeast Asian community.
SLO Farmers Co-op will expand access to culturally specific, sustainable local meat, eggs, and ground cherries.

DATCP is collaborating with various partners to ensure program success, including producers, distributors, food security organizations, and tribal entities. This initiative not only combats food insecurity but also strengthens ties between Wisconsin farmers and their communities. For more information on the WI LFPA program, visit wilocalfood.org.

Photo Credit: usda