University of Wisconsin-Extension

Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

About one in nine Wisconsin households faces food insecurity — a lack of reliable access to safe, affordable and culturally relevant food that supports an active, healthy lifestyle. Those who have trouble keeping their refrigerators and pantries stocked include people who are unemployed and others who are working but aren’t able to find enough hours or wages, as well as many who are children and senior citizens. A variety of safety nets — from public-assistance programs to non-profit and religious food banks — struggle to keep up with demand. Fluctuations in the broader economy add uncertainties for the needy, as do changing state and federal aid policies. At the same time, innovative projects seek to improve food security, including efforts to directly connect hungry Wisconsinites with fresh food through growers and farmers' markets.
 
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

The Changing Face Of Food Insecurity In Brown County

Karen Early
UW-Extension
People who worry about not having enough to eat cope in different ways. Some borrow money, neglect health care or defer paying bills. Many choose foods of poor nutritional value because they cost less but are filling.
Series: Help For The Holidays
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

How To Make Sure Food Pantry Giving Is More Effective

Barbara Ingham
UW-Extension
Amber Canto
UW-Extension
Community groups often host food drives at various points during the year to fill local pantry shelves. Donors can enhance the value of their gifts by ensuring the food is safe, nutritious and of high quality.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

Food Bank Reaching More Older Adults In Need With Mobile Food Pantries

Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Public Radio
Employment may be up in Wisconsin, but some families are still struggling to put food on the table, and it can be even more challenging for older adults.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

What Gets Overlooked In Wisconsin's Food Stamp Conversation

Scott Gordon
WisContext
With the release of Gov. Scott Walker's 2017-19 budget proposal, Wisconsin is again debating how distribution of food stamps should work.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

Growing Incentives For FoodShare Users At Farmers' Markets

Samantha Nash
PBS Wisconsin
Throughout the growing season, many Wisconsinites stop by farmers' markets to grab a bite to eat, chat with neighbors and, of course, purchase fresh produce and other foods. But this type of shopping can be cost prohibitive for people who have lower or fixed incomes.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

The Precarious Path From Food Stamps To Self-Sufficiency

Scott Gordon
WisContext
Wisconsin's new round of food stamp rules tightening work requirements also comes as a state jobs program aimed at FoodShare beneficiaries shows mixed results.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

Effects Of Wisconsin's Food Stamp Work Mandate Remain Opaque As Rules And Costs Expand

Dee J. Hall
Wisconsin Watch
Beginning in 2019, programs like Just Bakery will increasingly be in demand as parents of children ages 6 and above in Wisconsin will be added to the list of able-bodied recipients ages 18 through 49 required to train for a job or work to earn FoodShare benefits.
Series: Challenges To Wisconsin's Rural Schools
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

From Mason Jars To Lunch Trays In Wisconsin's Rural Schools

Julie Grace
WisContext
School-lunch programs have developed over the course of many decades, and their specific shape and intentions have not always been a matter of political consensus.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

Why It's Difficult To Gauge The Effects Of Wisconsin's FoodShare Work Rules

Will Cushman
WisContext
As work-related eligibility rules for Wisconsin's food stamp program expand, it remains unclear to what extent the requirements already in place are having their intended effect.
Series: Food Security And Assistance In Wisconsin

This Milwaukee Restaurant Asks Patrons To Pay What They Can

Mckenzie Halling
Wisconsin People & Ideas
From the outside, Tricklebee Café in Milwaukee's Sherman Park looks like any other restaurant. Upon entry, however, it becomes clear that this café is different.