Food Bank Food Purchasing Program Among Top Priorities at Ag Day at the Capitol

Connecting Wisconsin grown food to families facing food insecurity was a key topic at Ag Day at the Capitol. The event brought in farmers from across Wisconsin to speak with their legislators about the agriculture industry’s top priorities this biennium, including asking for a $20 million investment in a state funded food bank food purchasing program.

Feeding Wisconsin is encouraging legislative leaders and members of the Senate and Assembly Agricultural Committees to support an investment in the food bank food purchasing program to connect
Feeding Wisconsin’s network of food banks and pantries with Wisconsin producers. This investment will
continue to provide Wisconsin grown food to families experiencing food insecurity.

“Feeding Wisconsin appreciates everyone in the agricultural community who came to Madison to support
our goal of supporting Wisconsin families who are struggling to put food on their tables – in a way that
also supports our local Wisconsin farmers.” Said Michelle Orge, Feeding Wisconsin Board President.
“This program a win for all – the Wisconsin farmers and processors at the source of the nutrient-dense and locally grown food, the food banks and pantries across the entire state, and most importantly – the
increasing number of families experiencing food insecurity in every one of our communities across
Wisconsin.”

Feeding Wisconsin supports a $20 million investment in DATCP’s Food Bank Food Purchasing Program
to support regional food banks and pantries. Currently, food banks and pantries are experiencing a
30-45% increase in need and are anticipating a surge in need as emergency COVID FoodShare benefits
ended earlier this year.

This program would allow for flexibility and local decision making regarding the types of food needed by
local communities. Unfortunately, food insecurity remains an issue for 7.2% of Wisconsinites, including
12.6% of Wisconsin children. Not only does this program provide food through our state’s food
producers, access to this nutrient dense food can reduce health risks and healthcare costs associated with
food insecurity.

For more information or to join the effort, visit www.feedingwisconsin.org.