CHALLENGE

Nutrition insecurity impacts residents across each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Individuals who are food insecure are more likely to experience diet-related chronic diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic stress.¹ In recent years, food pantries have been serving a growing number of clients, many of whom are first-time pantry users.

APPROACH

FoodWIse has responded to this reality by working hand-in-hand with local partners to support the creation of community gardens to grow fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, donate and distribute the garden produce to charitable food sites and congregate or school meal programs, and deliver nutrition education to community members with limited income. County-based FoodWIse coordinators and educators develop partnerships to design local garden projects that respond to community priorities, engage participants and food pantry clients to determine preferences for what produce is grown in the gardens, and plan for sustainability. Master gardeners and other community volunteers establish and expand edible gardens and harvest produce while offering garden education. This initiative has not only increased access to nutritious food but has also enhanced community health and nutrition education.

OUTCOME

Since 2017, FoodWIse has implemented community and donation garden projects across 37 counties, reaching 42,605 residents with limited resources with 33,110 pounds of fresh produce and delivering nutrition education to over 3,200 individuals. Additionally, the project has leveraged over $86,000 in donated materials, in-kind donations, and other funding to support these garden efforts. Through collaborative efforts and educational outreach, FoodWIse promotes healthier lifestyles and strengthens community resilience across the region.

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FRAC. 2017. The Impact of Poverty, Food Insecurity, and Poor Nutrition on Health and Well-Being.