Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Database Launched

Sunday, July 30th, 2023 -- 10:48 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -A new Wisconsin program strives to create a "win-win" scenario for regional food shelves and independent farmers.

This month, a new directory went live where local producers can create a profile of their operation, including the types of food they grow. The online tool allows hunger-relief organizations and meal programs to search for farmers who are given grants through a larger program to produce a certain amount of food to be donated. Forrest Humphrey, a local foods organizer with the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said making these connections can open a lot of doors. "We're working with a lot of small farmers, folks who may just sell at the farmers market, who haven't had a lot of opportunity to expand to larger markets or get their products out to more people. And I think this is a really great way for them to do that," he explained.

In turn, local food shelves can stock up on healthier options as they report high levels of demand, especially after federal pandemic food aid expired earlier this year. The broader initiative is called the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance program. The state agriculture department and a handful of other organizations also are involved in carrying out elements of the effort.

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