The Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), in collaboration with the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) program, is revolutionizing the way farmers and communities connect through an innovative new tool. This groundbreaking directory aims to enhance the resilience of local food systems and supply chains, fostering increased accessibility to local foods across the state.
Farmers can create comprehensive profiles for their farms and showcase their products within the directory. Simultaneously, hunger-relief organizations, institutional purchasers, community members, and food programs can easily search for producers in their respective regions, forging valuable connections.
Rocky Run Farm, operated by Michael and Angie Lungren in Kendall, exemplifies the positive impact of the WI LFPA program and the directory. The Lungrens supply fresh, organic vegetables to the program, delivering their produce to Neighbor for Neighbor, Inc. food pantry in Tomah, where it is then distributed to the local community. They enthusiastically express their excitement to expand their reach and fulfill their passion for providing healthy vegetables to others.
The success of the directory hinges upon the participation of a robust and diverse array of farms. WFU, led by Forrest Humphrey, Local Foods Organizer and the directory's driving force, emphasizes the pivotal role of social networks in fostering strong rural communities.
The Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, a cooperative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, aims to bolster local food systems, support farmers, and ensure equitable access to fresh and nutritious foods for underserved communities.
By collaborating with producers, distributors, food security organizations, and tribal partners, DATCP spearheads program development, coordinates transportation and logistics, and procures food from local producers through strategic alliances with Marbleseed, Wisconsin Farmers Union, and Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative.
To learn more about this groundbreaking project and how you can get involved, visit https://www.wilocalfood.org/ For inquiries about the WI-LFPA program or the Local Foods Directory, please contact Forrest Humphrey at fhumphrey@wisconsinfarmersunion.com or 715-450-9179. Together, let's build a stronger and more sustainable food system for Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Local Food
Categories: Wisconsin, Business