Clark County Health Department and Aspirus Stanley Hospital Helping Combat Child Hunger in Clark County

Monday, April 27th, 2026 -- 2:00 PM

In a county as deeply rooted in agriculture as Clark County, it can be hard to imagine that many children still experience hunger.

However, local data shows this challenge is very real. According to County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (2024), 16% of Clark County children live in poverty, higher than the Wisconsin average of 13%.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines children in poverty as individuals under age 18 living in households with pre‐tax incomes below specific dollar thresholds, which vary by family size and change annually with inflation.

In 2024, the poverty threshold for a family of four with two children was $31,812. Economically, Clark County ranks fifty‐first in the state for median household income, with half of all Clark County households making an annual income above $63,600, and half of all Clark County households making less.

Every three years the Clark County Health Department and its community health partners work together to conduct a county-level review of Clark County’s overall health and identify areas for improvement.

As part of the 2024 process, the group led a health survey, in which 415 Clark County residents (of various backgrounds) participated. Of those participants, one in four indicated they were concerned that families in Clark County did not have enough money to meet basic needs.

Through additional data collection, the group found that 56% of children enrolled in Clark County public schools qualify for free or reduced‐price lunch, a key indicator of household economic stress.

The number of children who qualify for this program varies by school district across the county, ranging from 76% at the highest-need Clark County school to 43% at the lowest‐need school.

One way local schools, churches, businesses, and food pantries have come together to address hunger and support children is through “Nutrition on Weekends” or “Backpack” programs.

These programs ensure children from food-insecure households will not go hungry when school breakfast or lunch is not available. Of the eight school districts that are located in Clark County, seven currently operate either a backpack-type program or a school-based food pantry.

The source of the food, along with the level of financial need to support the program, varies by district. Some districts receive support from Marshfield Area United Way, while others, particularly those outside the United Way service area, rely more heavily on donations from local businesses, clubs, and individual community members.

In March 2026, Aspirus Stanley Hospital approached the Clark County Health Department with a very generous request, to help distribute $12,500 in donor provided dollars to Aspirus Health Foundation across Clark County in a meaningful and impactful way.

Reflecting on their previous work together and recognizing that child hunger remains a real issue in Clark County, both organizations agreed to help support the local Nutrition on Weekends programs. To ensure funds would be allocated fairly based on the level of need at each district, the Clark County Health Department contacted each program lead.

In doing so, three backpack programs reported that they did not need financial assistance at this time, four expressed appreciation for funding to sustain their existing efforts, and one school district accepted funding to revive its Nutrition on Weekends program.

“Food security and nutrition have been a key focus of our Community Health Implementation Strategy, and we are pleased to support these organizations and the impact they make on our community,” said Deenah King, Community Health Specialist, Aspirus Health.

“We know that health begins long before a child ever enters a clinic or hospital and ensuring children have access to nutritious food, especially on weekends when school meals aren’t available, is essential to their growth, learning, and overall wellbeing.”

Over the next two to three weeks, the following districts will each receive $2,500, made possible through donations to Aspirus Health Foundation: School District of Abbotsford, Colby School District, School District of Loyal, Owen-Withee School District, and School District of Thorp.

“We’re proud to connect schools to funding sources for the weekend nutrition program, which helps ensure students have the healthy food they need outside the classroom so they can thrive inside it."

"By recognizing and addressing the broader socioeconomic needs of their students, our schools are strengthening the foundation for learning and wellbeing across our communities. We genuinely thank Aspirus for their support, partnership, and commitment to Clark County” states Brittany Mews, Clark County Health Officer/Director.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.