# Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
> Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is a Feeding America partner food bank based in Madison, WI, working to end hunger across 16 counties in southwestern Wisconsin since 1986. It supplies 300+ partner food pantries, meal sites and school markets, runs mobile food pantries, and shares information on FoodShare (SNAP). No ID or proof of income is required at Second Harvest food distribution sites. Key pages: Find Food Near You (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/), Mobile Food Pantry Schedule (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-food-pantry-calendar/), FoodShare (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program/), Volunteer (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/), Ways to Give (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/ways-to-give/).
> Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.
## Posts
### [Martin Luther King Jr. Day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/martin-luther-king-jr-day/)
**Published:** January 13, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** At Second Harvest, we will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16th. Because of the nature of our work in the service of our community, we will still have some staff, volunteers, mobile pantries, and deliveries to our partner agencies on this day. We will be incorporating intentional time with our volunteers around equity and justice by adding 1 hour of guided dialogue and self-reflection. Our staff is encouraged to use this day to reflect, learn, or support others in the spirit of Dr. King’s mission to unify behind a single goal: the pursuit of equal and equitable rights for all.
**Content:**
January 16, 2023
**Martin Luther King, Jr. Day** is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the influential American minister and civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns for racial equality and nonviolence, as well as his many stirring speeches at a time when racial inequality and violent acts were especially widespread in the United States.
Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Though he has been gone for over 50 years, his wife (Coretta Scott King, deceased) and four children, personal friends, as well as many others have kept not only his legacy but also his dream alive by continuing his mission.
Beginning in 1968, many bills were brought forth to recognize Dr. King’s impact with a holiday around the time of his birthday, January 15th. None were successful until President Ronald Reagan finally signed the day into law in 1983, and it was first celebrated as a federal holiday in 1986. All 50 states did not officially recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day until the year 2000.
Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act of 1994 (sponsored by John Lewis), which amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to authorize eligible entities to carry out service opportunities in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. At the time of its passing, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by turning community concerns into action. Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, said “*The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America.”*
### Make It a Day On, Not a Day Off
Honor Dr. King’s call to service by helping neighbors facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. [Sign up to volunteer with Second Harvest Foodbank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/) as an individual or with a group, join a [food sorting and repack shift](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-sorting-repack/) in Madison, or [make a gift](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/ways-to-give/) to help provide nutritious food to families across our 16-county service area.
At Second Harvest, we will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16th. Because of the nature of our work in the service of our community, we will still have some staff, volunteers, [mobile pantries,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-food-pantry-calendar/) and deliveries to our partner agencies on this day. We will be incorporating intentional time with our volunteers around equity and justice by adding 1 hour of guided dialogue and self-reflection. Our [staff is encouraged to use this day to reflect](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/staff-reflection-justified-anger-black-history-for-a-new-day-with-nehemiah-center-for-urban-leadership/), learn, or support others in the spirit of Dr. King’s mission to unify behind a single goal: the pursuit of equal and equitable rights for all.
#### For some further resources and online celebrations of the day, please see below:
**Engage year-round on social media:**
King Coalition of Dane County
- Twitter: <https://twitter.com/MLKCoalition>
- Facebook: <https://www.facebook.com/kingcoalition>
---
**Listen to a recording of one of Dr. King’s most influential speeches**
*(I have a Dream, Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., August 28th, 1963)*
<https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety>
---
#### **Join a celebration in our area:**
**Monday, Jan 16, 2023**– Official Madison/Dane County MLK Day Observance
Overture Center for the Arts, Madison
(Free to the public)
5:15 pm -7:30 pm
[http://mlkingcoalition.org/ ](http://mlkingcoalition.org/)
---
**Monday, Jan 16, 2023– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration**
Prairie Pheonix Academy, Sun Prairie
(Free to the public)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
[https://business.sunprairiechamber.com/events/details/dr-martin-luther-king-celebration-7545 ](https://business.sunprairiechamber.com/events/details/dr-martin-luther-king-celebration-7545)
---
**Sing! For Martin Luther King!**
There are two rehearsals at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2019 Fisher Street, Madison.
(Free to the public)
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 am
\*\*Performance will be at the Overture Center for the Arts during the Official Madison/Dane County on Monday, Jan 16, 2023, starting at 5:15 pm
https://www.forwardlookout.com/2012/01/sing-for-martin-luther-king/13690
---
#### Staff Learning:
**Justified Anger: Black History For A New Day Course**
Spring 2023, 10 Second Harvest teammates are attending to understand how the African-American experience has shaped the world we all live in, and how allies can find roles supporting racial justice today. Rooting ourselves in our history, and understanding how we got here, will help us move forward together to make a better world and a stronger local community.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News
---
### [Jeff Janis Helps With End Zone to End Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/jeff-janis-helps-with-end-zone-to-end-hunger/)
**Published:** October 5, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
In honor of the longest-running and most historic rivalry in professional football, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is taking on Northern Illinois Food Bank in the first-ever End Zone to End Hunger Challenge before the October 11 clash between Green Bay and Chicago. It’s a friendly fundraising battle!
[ HELP US SCORE NOW ](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/850334/donate?utm_source=landingpage&utm_medium=webpage&utm_campaign=end_zone_to_end_hunger)
Join our friend, Jeff Janis, calling on Green Bay fans across southwestern Wisconsin to show our friends to the South what happens when our community gets behind a cause.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Second Harvest Foodbank Welcomes Policymakers for First Policymaker Tour Focused on Local Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-welcomes-policymakers-for-first-policymaker-tour-focused-on-local-hunger/)
**Published:** September 30, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
As part of Feeding Wisconsin’s Policymaker Tour, an effort to raise awareness of hunger-related issues throughout the state, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin welcomed state legislators, legislative candidates, local elected officials, and community leaders to its Madison location. The event provided participants with a firsthand look at hunger in southwestern Wisconsin and showcased the collaborative statewide work underway to ensure every neighbor has access to nutritious food.The event brought together food bank leadership, Feeding Wisconsin, and pantry partners to discuss the realities of food insecurity in the community and explore how public policy influences access to food.
During the event, attendees toured Second Harvest’s operations, learned how food moves from donors to local pantries and meal programs, reviewed findings from Wisconsin’s recent statewide hunger study, and participated in a community discussion highlighting both the data and the personal experiences behind the numbers.
“Policymakers have an important role to play in making sure families, children and seniors have the resources they need to live healthy, full lives,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “When policymakers understand both the data and the lived experience of hunger in their communities, they are better equipped to make informed decisions that strengthen food security and our communities.”
Public policy decisions play an important role in helping families meet their basic needs. Investments in nutrition programs, support for Wisconsin farmers and food banks, and policies related to housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation all affect a household’s ability to afford groceries and maintain long-term stability.
Wisconsin recently demonstrated the impact of partnership through a historic $10 million state budget investment supporting food banks and Wisconsin farmers. Events like the Policymaker Tour build on that momentum by strengthening relationships between policymakers and the organizations serving their communities every day.
The Policymaker Tour is designed to encourage ongoing dialogue between local officials and hunger relief organizations by helping policymakers better understand the unique needs within their districts and the opportunities to strengthen food security through informed policy decisions.
Moving forward, Second Harvest encourages policymakers to remain engaged with local food banks and pantry partners, use district-level hunger data when considering legislation and budget priorities, and recognize how decisions across many policy areas ultimately influence whether families can consistently afford healthy food.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Invests $600,000 to Help Local Food Pantries Rescue More Fresh Food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-invests-600000-to-help-local-food-pantries-rescue-more-fresh-food/)
**Published:** September 23, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is investing $600,000 to help 12 partner food pantries and programs across southwestern Wisconsin expand their ability to rescue and distribute nutritious food from local retailers.
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is investing $600,000 to help 12 partner food pantries and programs across southwestern Wisconsin expand their ability to rescue and distribute nutritious food from local retailers.
Through Second Harvest’s Retail Capacity Grant, each of the 12 organizations will receive funding to strengthen the infrastructure, equipment, staffing or operational capacity needed to accept more food donations from local grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers.
The grants are part of Second Harvest’s Wisconsin Food Rescue initiative, which works to ensure that fresh, healthy food that is still safe to eat reaches people facing hunger rather than going to waste.
“Second Harvest is committed to ensuring every person in our community has dependable access to healthy food,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “By making these grant funds available, we are investing directly in the local organizations that know their communities best and are addressing hunger every day. This funding will help our partners respond to rising demand while building capacity for the future.”
**Building capacity to rescue more food**
Food donations from local retailers are an important source of nutritious food for Second Harvest and its network of nearly 300 partner pantries and programs. But the ability to rescue that food depends on having the capacity to accept, safely store and distribute it.
For many food pantries, the challenge is not whether retailers have food available to donate. It is whether the pantry has the refrigeration, storage space, transportation, equipment and staff needed to take advantage of those donations.
The Retail Capacity Grant was created to address those barriers.
Earlier this year, Second Harvest invited its network of partner organizations throughout its 16-county service area to submit proposals identifying investments that would allow them to accept and distribute more food from local retailers. Second Harvest reviewed the submissions based on their potential to increase retail food recovery and distribution, strengthen local capacity and improve access to nutritious food.
The 12 organizations selected for funding will use the grants for projects that include:
- Expanding onsite cold storage to accommodate more fresh and frozen food
- Purchasing refrigerated vehicles and other transportation
- Adding part-time staffing to support expanded retail food recovery operations
Together, the projects are expected to increase the amount of nutritious food that can be rescued from local retailers and make it possible for more of that food to reach families and individuals throughout southwestern Wisconsin.
“Every pound of good food we are able to rescue is an opportunity to put nutritious food on someone’s table,” Orge said. “When we strengthen the capacity of our partners, we strengthen the entire network. We are building the ability to meet today’s needs while preparing for the future.”
One of the grant recipients, OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center in Madison, will use its funding to make major upgrades to cold storage at its Community Pantry as the organization prepares to move closer to downtown Madison.
“This investment will support major upgrades to our Community Pantry’s cold storage, just in time for OutReach’s upcoming move closer to downtown Madison,” said Becca Bedell of OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center. “We expect a surge in guests, and we’re thrilled to increase distribution of free, low-barrier food and hygiene essentials four days a week.”
“Food security is something we have to build together,” Orge said. “One part of our role in the system is to help give our network the resources and capacity they need to do even more.” Second Harvest distributes millions of pounds of food each year through its network of nearly 300 partner pantries and programs across 16 counties in southwestern Wisconsin. By expanding the network’s ability to rescue nutritious food from local retailers, the Retail Capacity Grant will help ensure more good food stays in the community and reaches the people who need it most.
Awardees of a Retail Capacity Grant include:
- Caritas
- Deerfield Community Center
- Stoughton Food Pantry
- Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry
- Salvation Army, Janesville
- Salvation Army, Beloit
- Couleecap, Inc
- Ronald McDonald House
- Sunshine Pantry
- WayForward Resources
- Jefferson Area Food Pantry
- OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Our President & Executive Director Interviewed on Live It Up!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-president-executive-director-interviewed-on-live-it-up/)
**Published:** September 9, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Recently, our President & Executive Director, Michelle Orge, sat down for an interview on the Live it Up! with Lee Acker show. They talked about the role of Second Harvest in the emergency food system, the root causes of hunger, Hunger Action Month, and more. Check it out…
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/its-about-community/)
**Published:** September 3, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
For more than 30 years, the Care Closet Food Pantry has supported families in the small communter community of Evansville located just northwest of Janesville. What began in the basement of a local church has grown into one of the community’s most trusted resources, helping ensure that neighbors facing difficult times have access to food, clothing, household essentials, and, perhaps most importantly, a caring community ready to help.
Today, thanks to more than 70 volunteers and a network of community partners, the Care Closet supports approximately 75 households each month. At the center of it all is Manager Jeanette Jones, who has spent the last ten years helping neighbors find the resources they need to get through difficult times.
“Our mission is pretty simple,” Jeanette said. “Neighbors caring for neighbors with dignity and grace.”
That mission comes to life every week as volunteers prepare food orders, answer phones, stock shelves, and welcome families who may be struggling to make ends meet. Many of the guests Jeanette works with are balancing rising costs, limited incomes, and the everyday challenges of caring for a family.
One of those guests is Carrissa.
*Pantry guest Carrissa*
“It helps us a lot,” Carrissa shared. “When we’re on such a limited budget, we don’t know what we can afford from one day to the next. We appreciate everything Second Harvest does for us.”
Stories like Carrissa’s are why the Care Closet exists. For Jeanette, helping families put food on the table is about breaking down barriers that prevent them from living a full life.
“They’ve got enough things to worry about,” she said. “Food shouldn’t be that thing they have to worry about. Food shouldn’t be the thing they’re wondering about—whether they’re going to have milk or cereal or diapers. We want to take that weight off their shoulders.”
Making that possible requires more than volunteers and local support. It also requires a strong partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
The Care Closet receives food deliveries from Second Harvest twice each month, along with access to food rescue programs, training, resources, and support. Jeanette estimates that roughly half of the food distributed by the pantry comes through Second Harvest and its programs.
“We wouldn’t be able to have all the things that we have in the pantry and share with our neighbors without Second Harvest,” Jeanette said. “It gives us the opportunity to do more and makes our money go further.”
More than the food itself, Jeanette values knowing that the Care Closet has a true partner standing beside them as they help meet the needs of Evansville residents.
“It’s like having Second Harvest in your back pocket,” she said. “I have another partner helping me take care of everything here.”
For a small-town pantry operating out of a former grocery store and relying almost entirely on volunteers, that support is critical. Without it, meeting the needs of Evansville families would be far more difficult.
Yet for Jeanette, the Care Closet is about more than food. It is about community.
“It’s the heart and soul of this community,” she said. “Whenever there’s a need, people rise to the occasion.”
With your support, Second Harvest and partners like the Care Closet can continue making sure that families throughout Evansville have access to the food they need and the support they deserve. Together, they are proving that when neighbors care for neighbors, entire communities grow stronger.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Stories of Impact
---
### [Tanya Andersen Buckingham Named Vice President of Advancement](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/tanya-andersen-buckingham-named-vice-president-of-advancement/)
**Published:** July 30, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is pleased to announce the appointment of Tanya Andersen Buckingham as its new Vice President of Advancement, a key executive leadership position responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic fundraising, cross-sector partnerships, and community-centered engagement.
In this role, Buckingham will provide executive oversight of development, communications, marketing, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement – ensuring cohesion, strategic clarity, and results. She will also align organizational priorities with community-identified needs while strengthening relationships across donors, partners, businesses, government entities, and other nonprofits.
“Tanya is an exceptional leader with a proven ability to build meaningful relationships and connect organizations with the communities they support,” said Michelle Orge, president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “Her experience in strategic communications, public service, organizational leadership and community engagement makes her uniquely qualified to help us deepen our impact, expand our partnerships and inspire greater investment in our mission. We are thrilled to welcome her to Second Harvest.”
Buckingham brings more than two decades of leadership experience, including government, higher education, communications, and strategic consulting. Most recently, she served as Communications Manager for the Dane County Department of Human Services.
“Second Harvest has built an incredible reputation for bringing people together to guarantee that our neighbors have access to nutritious food,” said Buckingham. “I’m honored to join an organization whose mission is so deeply rooted in dignity, collaboration, and community. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners to help ensure everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive.” Buckingham holds a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University, a Bachelor of Science in International Relations, Cartography/GIS, with an Environmental Studies Certificate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and recently earned a Certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School Online.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Sends 63,000 Pounds of Food to Support Wisconsin Families Recovering from Tornado](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/tornado-response/)
**Published:** July 30, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**MADISON, Wis.** — In response to the recent tornado that devastated communities in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is supporting fellow food bank Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s efforts to provide emergency food assistance to families facing an unexpected crisis.
Second Harvest prepared and shipped two truckloads containing more than 63,000 pounds of nutritious shelf-stable food—enough to provide the equivalent of more than 52,000 meals to neighbors as they begin the difficult process of recovery.
In addition to 22 pallets of bulk shelf-stable food, 25 Second Harvest volunteers gathered today at the food bank’s Madison facility to pack more than 500 family food kits, each containing family-friendly foods that can provide immediate nourishment to households displaced or impacted by the storm.
“I feel for the families impacted by the tornado,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “There’s no way for them to have predicted that they would need assistance. But thanks to the leadership of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, we’re going to do everything we can to help them get through this trying time.”
The response highlights the strength of the statewide and national hunger-relief network that allows food banks to mobilize quickly when disasters strike. While Second Harvest serves southwestern Wisconsin, supporting neighboring food banks during times of crisis is a critical part of its mission.
“Partnerships are at the forefront of what we do,” Orge said. “Those include local partnerships as well as statewide and national partnerships. For us to be a strong food bank, we need to be part of a strong network. If there were a disaster in our area, we would be getting help from other food banks. That’s what being part of a network is all about.”
By working together, Wisconsin’s food banks can rapidly assist communities that need them most, ensuring families have access to nutritious food even in the aftermath of an unexpected disaster.
Community members who would like to support ongoing tornado recovery efforts are encouraged to make a gift to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Tornado Relief Fund at feedingamericawi.org. Every donation helps provide food and critical assistance to families as they rebuild their lives.
 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** food equity, food insecurity, hunger, nutritional support, volunteer
---
### [UW Football Team Joins Second Harvest to Provide Over 3,600 Cans for Local Families Facing Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/badgers-give-back-2026/)
**Published:** July 7, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Madison, WI, July 7, 2026** – To support the 147,000 people facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, a group of athletes, coaches, and staff from the University of Wisconsin football team labeled over 3,600 cans of corn at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. 21 student-athletes, coaches, and staff volunteered at the nonprofit as part of the Badgers Give Back initiative. 2026 marks the second year that Badger football players have partnered with Second Harvest during Badgers Give Back.
“The incredible student-athletes and coaches that volunteered with us proved that when we work together, in just a short amount of time, we can make a long-lasting impact in our community,” said Michelle Orge, president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “As a result of their efforts, we can now distribute those cans of corn to families right here in southwestern Wisconsin through our network of food pantries.”
“It’s just really important for us to get out there and go do something that’s bigger than ourselves,” said Safeties Coach Jack Cooper. “Knowing that the next step for this food that they’re labeling is really the pantries and families in the community makes me feel good.”
Each year, Second Harvest relies on the generosity of individuals and groups, like the one from the University of Wisconsin, to volunteer their time in support of the community. Annually, volunteers do 20% of all the work done on behalf of Second Harvest. To find out more about volunteering at Second Harvest, visit [SecondHarvestSW.org/Volunteer](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/).
IMG 0642P1039554P1039556P1039558P1039562P1039563P1039564P1039568P1039571P1039573P1039592P1039594P1039596P1039597P1039608P1039610P1039611 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** Badger Football, volunteer
---
### [Hunger doesn't begin or end with a government shutdown](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/46169-2/)
**Published:** November 24, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
*The following op-ed, written by Second Harvest’s president and executive director, Michelle Orge, ran in The Cap Times on Saturday, November 9.*
Now that the government shutdown has ended, we are relieved that SNAP benefits will once again be available to help families facing hunger in our community. Unfortunately, the resolution to this latest political stalemate does not remove the barriers for neighbors who struggle to afford food — or the deeper crisis of food insecurity that persists in our community.
Hunger in southwestern Wisconsin doesn’t begin or end with a government shutdown. Even in less tumultuous times, despite most families having someone working one or more jobs, nearly 147,000 people — including 40,000 children — live in households that can’t always [afford enough nutritious food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/fuel-vs-food-these-americans-are-cutting-back-to-afford-higher-gas-prices/). For the one in four families living paycheck to paycheck in this country, even one missed paycheck or delay in benefits can mean empty refrigerators and cupboards and impossible choices between rent, medication, and groceries. The shutdown exposed a stark reality: Too many families are just one crisis away from hunger.
Second Harvest Foodbank, community organizations, faith-based organizations and schools stepped up during the shutdown to fill the gap, but we cannot shoulder the challenge alone. The increased awareness of hunger in our community during the shutdown led to a corresponding awareness of the need for community support. But now that federal operations have resumed, we cannot simply return to “business as usual.” The need for strong, consistent support — both from policymakers and from members of the community — remains as urgent as ever.
Ending hunger requires more than reopening government offices; it demands sustained investment in the systems that help families thrive. That means fully funding [nutrition programs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/common-grace-school-nutrition-program/) like SNAP and WIC, expanding access to school meals, and strengthening local food assistance networks. It also means [addressing the root causes of food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/) insecurity: low wages, rising housing costs, and lack of access to affordable health care.
Each of us can play a role. By investing in Second Harvest Foodbank and our network of resource providers and endorsing policies that uphold nutrition assistance and equitable wages, we fortify the broader safety net.
The end of the shutdown is not the end of the story — it’s an opportunity to recommit to the work ahead. Hunger doesn’t wait for Washington to get its act together, and neither should we. If this crisis has reminded us of anything, it’s that the strength of our nation depends on how we care for those who need support the most.
The lights may be back on in government buildings, but the real work — the work of feeding families and building a more secure future — must keep going.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** FoodShare, hunger, shutdown
---
### [Food Resources to Reduce the Summer Slide](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-resources-to-reduce-the-summer-slide/)
**Published:** June 15, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
[ FIND A SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROVIDER ](https://www.fna.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder) [ LEARN MORE ABOUT SUMMER EBT ](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt/index.htm)
For thousands of families across south central Wisconsin, the end of the school year doesn’t feel like a celebration—it feels like a strain.
Household budgets that are already stretched thin face new pressure overnight. Childcare costs rise to cover the hours once spent in classrooms, and grocery bills climb as the safety net of school meals disappears.
For many parents, summer brings an impossible question into sharper focus: how do you keep food on the table when the supports you rely on pause for three months?
During the school year, more than 68,000 children in southwestern Wisconsin depend on free and reduced-price school meals to help them succeed. But when the last bell rings, cafeterias close, and children’s access to consistent, nutritious meals suddenly becomes uncertain, what happens to that progress? For many students, the consequences extend beyond hunger and into the classroom.
Educators call it the “summer slide”—a well-documented decline in academic progress when school is out. While learning loss has many causes, hunger is one we can—and should—address. Children who lack consistent access to nutritious food are more likely to experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and higher rates of illness, and by the time they return to the classroom in the fall, the gap has widened.
This is not inevitable. It is preventable.
We know what works. When children have reliable access to nutritious meals over the summer, they return to school healthier, more focused, and ready to learn. But for households already making trade-offs between rent, utilities, and groceries, summer can push them from stability into crisis.
That’s why federal and state-supported programs like the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT exist—to provide resources that help reduce the trade-offs.
The challenge is making sure families can access them.
That is where we must act.
Schools, municipalities, and community partners must work together to ensure families know what is available and how to access it. Learn more about the [Summer Food Service Program](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/sebt/index.htm) and [Summer EBT](https://www.fna.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder), then share what you know within your networks.
As a community, we must continue to advocate for policies and vote for candidates that recognize food security as foundational—not optional—and certainly not seasonal.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News & Insights
**Tags:** childhood hunger, food insecurity, hunger, summer hunger, summer slide
---
### [Family Activities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/talking-to-kids-about-hunger/)
**Published:** July 31, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** At Second Harvest, our mission goes beyond distributing food across our 16-county service area. We’re also working hard to end the stigma around seeking food support. Talking to kids about hunger doesn’t have to be scary or uncomfortable. In fact, open conversations can help children understand food insecurity and grow empathy for others.
**Content:**
#### We can end hunger together.
We all have a role to play, and educating children about hunger doesn’t have to be scary or uncomfortable. In fact, open conversations can help children understand food insecurity and grow empathy for others.
To help facilitate these conversations, we’ve put together a collection of resources, including coloring sheets, family-friendly recipes, and children’s book recommendations. Drop us a note and let us know if there are other activities we could offer!
---
### Activities & Resources
[  Coloring Sheets Our coloring pages are more than just fun—they’re a way for children to explore ideas, express emotions, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Download our coloring book!
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/062525_ColoringPages.pdf)
[  Feeding America’s Activity Guide Explore craft ideas, writing prompts, reading lists, coloring pages, and more!
Download the activity book!
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/toolkit-to-talk-to-children.pdf)
[  Food Insecurity – Sesame Workshop Check out Sesame Street’s kid-friendly video on food insecurity and explore helpful resources for families seeking food assistance.
Click here to watch & explore!
](https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/food-insecurity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
## Family-Friendly Recipes
 Read More
### Green Eggs & Holy Guacamole!
 Read More
### Totally Tortellini Thursday
 Read More
### “You’re My Zest friend” Frozen Yogurt
X 
### Green Eggs & Holy Guacamole!
Okay, so the eggs in this recipe aren’t green, but your family will go wild for this play on the classic Deviled Egg! It’s super easy, high in protein, and makes for a fun after school snack that goes great with carrot sticks, pita chips, and other pantry treats.
Creates 4 servings
- 8 large eggs
- 1 avocado, halved and pitted
- 2 small tomatoes, finely chopped, seeds removed
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided (optional)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs discarded (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place eggs in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pot from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water.
2. Once cool, peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks. Place **2 yolks** in a medium bowl and set the rest aside for another use. Arrange the egg white halves on a platter.
3. Add the avocado to the bowl with the yolks and mash with a fork. Stir in the remaining ingredients (including optional cilantro and jalapeño) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Spoon the avocado mixture evenly into the egg white halves. If desired, sprinkle with extra cilantro.
X 
### Totally Tortellini Thursday
This is a simple twist on your pasta night and a great way to use any leftover vegetables in your fridge. Plus, your kiddos won’t even notice the healthy greens mixed in with all the yummy cheesiness!
Creates 4 servings
- 1 package pre-made cheese tortellini (12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package cherry tomatoes (10 ounces)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, drain, rinse, and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in the bottom of the pasta pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring for about 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in half and half and Parmesan cheese, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss to combine.
X 
### “You’re My Zest friend” Frozen Yogurt
Here’s a delicious, creamy, dreamy, and citrusy dessert that your kiddos can make with their besties all summer long. Pro tip: they can make this at the start of a playdate and then they can enjoy it later in the day.
Creates 2 servings
- 2 large navel oranges
- ½ cup plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ cup granulated sugar or stevia
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
DIRECTIONS:
1. Zest 1 orange, then peel both oranges and place in a blender with Greek Yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Blend till smooth.
2. Pour into a freezer proof dish and freeze for 2 hours.
3. Remove from the freezer and allow to soften slightly before serving.
4. Serve in a bowl or in an ice cream cone, and let your kiddos enjoy!
### Book Recommendations
 Lulu and the Hunger Monster by Erik Talkin
## Lulu and the Hunger Monster by Erik Talkin
When Lulu’s mother’s van breaks down, money for food becomes tight and the Hunger Monster comes into their lives. Only visible to Lulu, Hunger Monster is a troublemaker who makes it hard for her to concentrate in school. How will Lulu help her mom and defeat the Monster when Lulu has promised never to speak the monster’s name to anyone?
This realistic–and hopeful–story of food insecurity builds awareness of the issue of [childhood hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-resources-to-reduce-the-summer-slide/), increases empathy for [people who are food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/peoples-church-agape-food-pantry/) insecure, and demonstrates how anyone can help [end hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/46169-2/). *Lulu and the Hunger Monster(TM)* empowers children to destigmatize the issue of hunger before the feeling turns into shame.
[Author Page](https://hunger-monster.com/) [English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/lulu-and-the-hunger-monster-tm-erik-talkin/15744852?ean=9781631985461) [English + Spanish (bilingual)](https://bookshop.org/p/books/lulu-and-the-hunger-monster-tm-lulu-y-el-monstruo-del-hambre-erik-talkin/18295021?ean=9781631987250)
 Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill
## Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill
Molly and her mom don’t always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly’s happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who’s embarrassed to be at the food pantry. Can Molly help Caitlin realize that everyone needs help sometimes?
[English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/saturday-at-the-food-pantry-diane-o-neill/20113274?ean=9780807572368)
 Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki
## Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki
Tie on your apron! Roll up your sleeves! Pans are out, oven is hot, the kitchen’s all ready! Where do we start?
A lively celebration of food and community from Caldecott honoree Jillian Tamaki, this lively, rousing picture book tells the story of a crew of resourceful neighbors who come together to prepare a meal for their community.
With a garden abundant with produce, a joyfully chaotic kitchen, and a friendly meal shared at the table, *Our Little Kitchen* is a celebration of full bellies and looking out for one another.
[Author Website](https://www.jilliantamaki.com/our-little-kitchen) [English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/our-little-kitchen-jillian-tamaki/14570608?ean=9781419746567) [Chinese](https://bookshop.org/p/books/our-little-kitchen-jillian-tamaki/19771064?ean=9789865259891)
 Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt
## Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt
With humor and warmth, this children’s picture book raises awareness about poverty and hunger. Best [friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/friends-of-mscr-meadowood-neighborhood-center/), go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on anti-hunger groups, is also included.
[Author Website](https://www.loisbrandt.com/) [English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/maddi-s-fridge-vin-vogel/9118595?ean=9781947277762) [Spanish](https://bookshop.org/p/books/maddi-s-fridge-vin-vogel/9118595?ean=9781936261970)
 Harvest Wagon of Hope by Boar and Family Books
## Harvest Wagon of Hope by Boar and Family Books
In their ninth heartwarming tale, Cindy and Gus Gee continue their cherished tradition of storytelling with ‘Boar and Family.’ This time, the Gee children and their classmates embark on an enlightening journey through the world of [food insecurities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/we-have-to-make-sure-that-were-partners-instead-of-observers-gov-tony-evers-continues-his-fight-against-food-insecurity-in-wisconsin/). With grace and charm, the authors weave a narrative that teaches young readers the importance of helping others and reassures them that seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of.
[Author Website](https://boarandfamilybooks.com/) [English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/harvest-wagon-of-hope-book-9-gus-gee/21496791?ean=9798989587889)
 Free Lunch by Rex Ogle
## Free Lunch by Rex Ogle
Instead of giving him lunch money, Rex’s mom has signed him up for free meals. As a poor kid in a wealthy school district, better-off kids crowd impatiently behind him as he tries to explain to the cashier that he’s on the free [meal program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/first-united-methodist-meal-program/). The lunch lady is hard of hearing, so Rex has to shout.
*Free Lunch* is the story of Rex’s efforts to navigate his first semester of sixth grade–who to sit with, not being able to join the football team, Halloween in a handmade costume, classmates and a teacher who take one look at him and decide he’s trouble–all while wearing secondhand clothes and being hungry. His mom and her boyfriend are out of work, and life at home is punctuated by outbursts of violence. Halfway through the semester, his family is evicted and ends up in government-subsidized housing in view of the school. Rex lingers at the end of last period every day until the buses have left, so no one will see where he lives.
Unsparing and realistic, *Free Lunch* is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and *Free Lunch* is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America.
[Publisher Website](https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324003601) [English](https://bookshop.org/p/books/free-lunch-rex-ogle/16049835?ean=9781324016946)
---
### Find your local library
[Bridges Library System](https://bridgeslibrarysystem.org/member-libraries/) – Jefferson County
[Monarch Library System](https://monarchlibraries.org/member-libraries/) – Dodge County
[Prairie Lakes Library System](https://www.prairielakes.info/share/members-contacts/) – Rock County
[South Central Library System](https://www.scls.info/about/sysmap.html) – Adams, Columbia, Dane, Green and Sauk Counties
[Southwest Wisconsin Library System](https://www.swls.org/library-directory/) – Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette and Richmond Counties
[Winding Rivers Library System](https://www.wrlsweb.org/find-my-library/) – Juneau, Monroe and Vernon Counties
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News
---
### [SCHOOL MARKET HELPS WHOLE COMMUNITY](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/school-market-helps-community/)
**Published:** November 1, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## School Market Helps Whole Community
Kris Tazelaar
“You’re not going to be able to learn if you have a headache from being hungry.” That idea was the catalyst behind the desire to put a free food market inside Reedsburg High School.
We recently sat down with Erica Lehr-Reuber (4k – 5th grade) and Tara Wedel (6 – 12th grade), social workers in the Reedsburg School District, to discuss the connection between food security and a student’s ability to be successful in school, and their new school market.
“How is a student going to sit in a classroom when they’re anxious and worried about where their next meal will come from,” said Erica. “Parents need to have nutritious, healthy meals to be able to provide for their families, and our students need the same to be able to be successful in school, at home, and in the community.”
For students in school, a lack of [access to enough nutritious food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/) can have a lasting impact. Faltering grades, short tempers, and longer-term adverse physical outcomes like high blood pressure and obesity can all be traced back to [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) in the home.
According to Tara, “\[The families\] are working hard to provide for their kids. They’re doing everything they can, but sometimes it’s just not quite enough for the grocery bill, but they’re really trying.”
To ensure their students have every chance to succeed in school and help the community, Erica, Tara, the district administrators, and numerous community groups (including Second Harvest) came together to launch a school “market” in the main commons area inside Reedsburg High School. Now, any community member (not just students) can visit the market five days a week from 3 – 6 pm to receive free food. Additionally, during regular school hours, students can get snacks to tide them over outside school meal times.
“I love the term market,” said Erica. “We’re hopeful that it’s very welcoming and helps remove the stigma of what people think a pantry may look like.”
Before it opened its doors, the new market had a few barriers to overcome. Beyond the pandemic, they had to find a prominent location in the [school for the market](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/st-vincent-de-paul-portage-high-school-market/), work through funding hurdles, and acquire refrigeration units. Luckily, one thing that wasn’t a barrier was convincing the district administrators. “We have incredible administrators who understand this is a significant need,” said Erica.
As for Second Harvest’s role in the school market, Tara indicated, “This would not be possible without Second Harvest. We would be lost, and our families would continue to go hungry.”
When asked what they hope for the school market program, Tara shared, “I hope that everyone embraces it, and when people come into the space, they recognize that this is a great thing.” Erica responded, ”That’s what we hope this market will do for families, that they can feel better, feel supported, and help them feel appreciated and loved and cared for.”
Thanks to you, Second Harvest can support school markets, backpack programs, [mobile pantries,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/sparta-mobile-pantry/) and all our programs designed to end hunger in our community!
 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights, Stories of Impact
---
### [Food pantries across Madison have empty shelves, long lines](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-pantries-across-madison-have-empty-shelves-long-lines/)
**Published:** July 10, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By **[Seth Nelson of the Wisconsin State Journal](https://madison.com/news/local/food-pantries-struggle-to-meet-rising-demand-in-madison-wisconsin/article_31642de2-2dbe-11ef-8aae-4fa65df46a2b.html#tncms-source=login)**
For most of the 22 years Ellen Carlson has worked at WayForward Resources, formerly Middleton Outreach Ministry, the food pantry has operated on a “take what you need” system — families could take as much food as they needed to feed themselves for the week.
But in recent months, as the pantry’s shelves have emptied faster and two-hour lines of waiting people have become increasingly common, WayForward’s staff have begun restricting the amount of food families can take for fear of running out before the week is done, said Carlson, WayForward’s executive director.
“To go to the community and say ‘We’re not sure that we have enough food,’” she said, “that’s really difficult to do.”
WayForward is hardly alone. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it the end of federally supported programs aimed at alleviating hunger, Madison-area pantries have seen a surge in demand, administrators and officials say.
In interviews with nearly a dozen food pantry administrators from the Madison area, as well as public health officials and representatives of statewide organizations, all say the same thing: Long lines, empty shelves and a diminishing food supply are becoming the norm, locally and across the county.
The six largest food pantries in Dane County announced in February that they were seeing record-high numbers of families coming to their doors. On average, the number of family visits increased 112% between 2021 and 2023.
That number has only grown in 2024. Administrators at the River Food Pantry said they have seen a 24% increase in demand just since February, and are on track to see twice the number of families by 2025.
At the Neighborhood House food pantry on the Near West Side, demand has doubled since 2021, and Bayview Community Center’s food pantry has seen similar growth just since January.
At Extended Hands Food Pantry on the West Side, demand has grown even higher. In the past four years, Director of Operations Jenny Czerkas said, the pantry has seen a 414% increase; over 100% of that has been since 2023.
“We don’t want to continue to operate in a crisis model,” WayForward Strategic Engagement Director Leslie Huber said. “So is it a crisis? I mean, yeah, it is.”
As unemployment soared and schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty-alleviation programs were given a major infusion of federal aid to increase struggling families’ access to food.
But by the end of 2023, federal support for those programs had all but evaporated. Additional benefits through Wisconsin’s FoodShare program were mostly cut in February of that year, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients’ average benefits decreased by $90 a month in March.
The end of that support brought with it an increase in demand for food, said Nick Heckman, Dane County’s Public Health planner for food security.
Ellen Carlson, executive director of WayForward Resources, said visits to the food pantry have doubled as demand rises in the Madison area.
“The first inclination that things were changing came a couple years later when a lot of those programs and benefits started to wind down and the funds ran out,” he said. “So all of these things kind of came to a head and created the first real press for food.”
In 2021 nearly one-third of households in the county struggled to access basic necessities, including food, according to data provided by the United Way.
But years-old statistics probably underrepresent the current situation, Heckman said.
“What is occurring are forces at the national and maybe even global economic scale,” he said. “There is a real increase in demand. I mean, I think that’s undeniable.
“Right now, pantries are managing. But there’s an upper threshold of how much they can manage,” Heckman said. “The question is: Can they do this sustainably forever? And I think the answer is definitely no.”
In the popular imagination, the pandemic is remembered as the era of long food lines and starving families, said Michelle Orge, CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, which supplies food to area pantries. But that reality is just as real now as it was then. Since 2023 southwest Wisconsin has seen a 47% increase in [families reporting that they struggle to obtain enough food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/family-food-go-together/), according to Second Harvest’s data.
“During the pandemic, it was very clear to folks that folks were struggling, because there was all this drone footage of people lined up at pantries,” she said. “We think of the pandemic as this ‘big spike.’ But now that we don’t see the miles and miles of cars lined up, we don’t think about it as much anymore.”
Many pantries, like WayForward, have begun tightening their supply of food to avoid running out before they’re restocked. That has left many families wanting more but taking less.
“I always say it’s magic how food pantries work now,” said Tess Stroh, the director of the Bayview pantry. “We’re just in such a scarcity mindset.”
Second Harvest is by far the largest provider of food to pantries in southern Wisconsin, sending out millions of pounds of food a year. But even as Second Harvest and other [food banks pump more and more food to pantries,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/the-river-food-pantry-e-pantry/) demand continues to dwarf the supply.
“I know our partners depend on us, but when they can’t — when they have to say no to people — well, that’s not what we aim for,” she said. “(Pantries) would order more from us if we had it, but we are never quite able to give them the amount they need.”
In recent years pantry administrators say they have even found themselves competing against one another to get the food they need.
When Second Harvest’s ordering portal opens, it’s a mad dash to get essential food items before other pantries scoop them up, said Taylor Drogemuller, director of the Neighborhood House’s pantry.
“There’s not quite as much selection as there used to be available, as far as the variety and regularity of food,” she said. “And if I can’t get it from Second Harvest, then I just don’t get it at all.”
Wisconsin, like all states, gets millions of pounds of food a year from the federal government as part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program, a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that distributes free food to pantries across the country. But even that has seen dwindling amounts sent to Wisconsin, said Jennifer Putzer, the state’s Food Security Unit supervisor.
“Food sources ebb and flow all the time,” she said, but acknowledged there is less food available across all sources than there was during the pandemic as federal assistance has increasingly fallen away. “It’s putting a strain on the food system.”
The problem with getting enough food, Orge said, isn’t just the amount available — it’s the cost of the food that’s already there.
Rising costs from post-pandemic inflation mean that many food items are now unattainable for pantries with smaller budgets, Orge said.
“Ultimately, it’s always been, ‘Do we have enough food?'” she said. “And a lot of that right now comes down to, ‘Do we have enough money to get that food?'”
Smaller pantries like Bayview and Neighborhood House, but even large pantries like The River, say they have consistently spent more as demand has only risen.
For its part, WayForward has spent 240% more in 2024 so far than it did two years ago.
Heckman called inflation in [food prices “the silent killer” of food pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/nuestro-mundo-school-food-pantry/) nationwide.
“The real changes to food prices, even if it’s only reflected in $1 or so per product, can be substantial to the volume of products that these pantries and food banks are going through,” he said. “It can really add up to significant amounts, and ultimately these are entities that are operating on donated funds and small budgets.”
As food prices climb and supply drops, Heckman said, hunger in the Madison area will only spread, putting even more of a burden on pantries.
That isn’t just unsustainable; it’s also dangerous, he said. Unless the strain on pantries is alleviated, families will increasingly cut back on the number or size of meals they eat, or “parents will go without food to ensure enough for their children,” he said.
“It’s a situation that is unfolding, it has been unfolding and it will continue to unfold,” he said. “This is kind of our canary in the coal mine.”
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Introducing: Community Cooks!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/introducing-community-cooks/)
**Published:** December 20, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Second Harvest hopes to partner with community members across our 16 counties through the program to support culturally meaningful cooking classes, community events, and demonstrations. It provides an opportunity for folx – particularly those with historically marginalized identities – with a passion for food and cooking, unique skills, and dreams to use their experiences to improve their community.
**Content:**
Our Programs Team is excited to announce the official pilot of our new program: Community Cooks. Second Harvest hopes to partner with community members across our 16 counties through the program to support culturally meaningful cooking classes, community events, and demonstrations. It provides an opportunity for folx – particularly those with historically marginalized identities – with a passion for food and cooking, unique skills, and dreams to use their experiences to improve their community.
Community Cooks was inspired by a similar [Lussier Community Education Center](https://lcecmadison.org/) program and conversations with our Youth & Families program partners. Program staff identifies folx in their communities interested in positive exposure in the culinary sphere and using their passion for cooking to support families facing hunger. These cooks are paid a reasonable fee to show others how to cook through family-style dinners for program participants. When the meal is done, the participants have an increased interest in learning how to cook and understand the importance of sharing meals; and the cook has received the exposure they were looking for.
The program is a direct result of our commitment to centering community voice in the program solutions we offer and our desire to address the root causes of hunger.
Thanks to a collaborative grant proposal with [Horizon High School](https://www.horizonhs.org/), a few folx from our Programs Team had the opportunity to pilot a version of the program on a much smaller scale this past year. It provided the chance to gather feedback and make adjustments as the pilot unfolded. Midway through the pilot, they had the opportunity to meet Daijah Birchette, who dreams of starting Madison’s first Black woman-owned vegan restaurant. She has since become Second Harvest’s first official community cook and has cooked for several of our youth programs in recent months.
The Programs Team is currently building a database of community cooks to share with our [partners and promoting the program to program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) staff and community members. If you’re a current [youth program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/goodman-community-center-youth-program/) partner interested in Community Cooks, or a community member wanting to share your passion for cooking, please reach out Michael Keller, Community Relations Manager, at (608) 216-7555.
---
###### Interested in collaborating with Second Harvest? Click [here](https://form.jotform.com/240095527281052) to tell us more!
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, Nutrition
---
### [Second Harvest Receives $50,000 Grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to Support HungerCare Wellness Program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-receives-50000-grant-from-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-foundation-to-support-hungercare-wellness-program/)
**Published:** October 6, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**MADISON, WI, October 5, 2023** – As part of their “food as medicine” grant program, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has awarded Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin a $50,000 grant to support its HungerCare Wellness Program.
“As someone who grew up facing food insecurity, I am intimately aware of the struggles that low-income households face. That is why I am so proud of the work Second Harvest is doing with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to support vulnerable members of our community – we all do better when we look out for one another,” said Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison).
The HungerCare Wellness Program began in 2016 as a pilot program to provide nutritionally tailored [food boxes and education to those experiencing food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) and managing Type 2 diabetes. In 2019, the [program expanded to include individuals managing heart](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/) disease. The future of the program is to increasingly focus on establishing partnerships in marginalized [communities with the highest rates of food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/community-food-pantry/) insecurity and nutrition-related chronic health conditions.
“Programs like the HungerCare Wellness Program are not possible without the generosity of organizations like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation,” said Michelle Orge, Second Harvest president and CEO. “Thanks to their partnership and the support of many others, we’re able to develop new ways to bring nourishing food to our neighbors and begin to realize our vision of everyone in southwestern Wisconsin having enough nutritious food to thrive.”
The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation believes that food is medicine, and that consistent [access to nutritious food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/) is an essential part of maintaining health. The Foundation has long championed better access to nutritious [foods in the communities they serve through grants](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-to-provide-200000-in-capacity-building-grants-to-improve-food-equity/) to nonprofit organizations.
“Research demonstrates that hunger, health, and well-being are deeply connected,” said Ted Osthelder, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid President in Wisconsin. “People who are food insecure are more affected than others by diet-sensitive chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Ensuring access to nutritious foods is critical for whole health and that’s why we are working alongside Second Harvest to make food more accessible and affordable, especially for our most vulnerable community members.”
Over a three-year period, the Foundation will invest up to million to support programs that address [food insecurity by helping individuals](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/individual-food-donations/) reach optimal health through good nutrition across the country. As of September 2023, over [million in food as medicine grants](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/otto-bremer-trust-makes-210-grants-totaling-12-1-million/) has been awarded.
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through [food distribution to its partner](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 Second Harvest, together with its [partner agencies and programs,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) provided 19.7 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. For more information, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org.
**About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation**
The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to address health equity by focusing on improving the health of the socially vulnerable through strategic partnerships and [programs in our communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/goodman-community-center-youth-program/) with an emphasis on maternal child health; mental health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. The Foundation coordinates the company’s year-round Dollars for Dollars program which provides a 100 percent match of associates’ donations, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit [www.elevancehealth.foundation](http://www.elevancehealth.foundation) and its blog at [www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation](http://www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation).
**\# # #**
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [The Magic Question](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/the-magic-question/)
**Published:** April 22, 2022
**Author:** Eva Wingren
**Content:**
By Eva Wingren, Donor Relations Officer
If you’ve heard from me or one of our volunteers on the phone recently, we might have asked you a question. “What draws you to the issue of ending hunger?” No, this isn’t a pop quiz. We’re not collecting the data, though I am drawing on it for this post. I encourage my volunteer callers to ask because everyone has a reason for donating, even if they haven’t thought about it until I ask the question. And there is a lot of research to back up the idea that the stronger someone feels their “why,” the more likely they are to take further action. I call it my magic question.
### **Hearing people’s answers is the highlight of my day.**
It reminds me that in addition to being donors, folks contribute to our work in so many other ways. Frequently, the people talk to volunteer at one of our partner pantries. Shout out to the donor who is also a pig farmer and [feeds their pigs using food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) that doesn’t pass our quality inspection process for human consumption! Sometimes their passion for ending hunger was instilled by a parent. Sometimes they were encouraged to donate to us by their church or employer. Sometimes they want their money to go as far as possible in the local community. Sometimes they just love food. All are great answers!
Occasionally I hear from someone that they are drawn to ending [hunger because their family once used the food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/) bank. I am extra grateful to those who reveal this part of their history to me because I’m sure they have been stigmatized in the past. But we want to be a system that is there for anyone when they need it, whether one time or multiple generations. We want people to feel like they can use the food bank before their finances get so tight so they can spend their money on other necessities. If we are doing our jobs right, more and more people will be able to say, “You helped me when I needed it. Now I’m in a position to help others.”
In all of these conversations, what stands out is a [faith in one simple idea: people need food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/living-faith-food-pantry/), and they need it now. If I can help get it to them, it’s my duty to do so. Sometimes it is accompanied by anger or grief – why, in a society with so much wealth, have we not solved hunger? I can certainly relate to those feelings!
Personally, I have a couple of why’s, each stronger depending on the day. If you were to ask me “what draws you to the issue of ending hunger,” I might talk about my grandpa and his food shelf (that’s Minnesotan for “food pantry”!). Grandpa is 93 and doesn’t remember me very well, so every time we talk, I tell him that I work at a food bank, and he says, “did you know I used to run a food shelf?” And then he tells me the same stories of how he was the food shelf’s first employee and built all the partnerships with the local grocery stores himself. How he coordinated with the Christmas tree sellers to donate their leftover trees a few days before Christmas. By Christmas Day, every one of them was in the home of someone that couldn’t afford a tree, decorated and with presents under it. It’s a good reminder of the value of concerning ourselves not just with calories and nutrients but with facilitating experiences that allow people to show their love to each other.
I’ll be honest, I first judged him for all that running around. Why didn’t he just get his [food from the food bank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/second-harvest-food-bank-sandburg-elementary-school/)? It wasn’t until I had heard the story three times that I looked up the history of food banking and realized: there probably WAS no food bank. The first food bank was started in 1967, and Feeding America didn’t launch to coordinate a national network until 1976.
I have another “why” too – hey, I spend a lot of time thinking about this, ok? At the beginning of my career, I spent five years advocating for more funding for affordable housing at the federal level. Housing funding peaked in the 1970s and has been disappearing ever since. Meanwhile, the Section 8 voucher program that pays private landlords a percentage of the average local rent has been taking up a bigger and bigger share of the federal housing budget due to regular rent increases over time. Only one in four people eligible for housing assistance based on income ever receive it. It’s very common for people experiencing a housing crisis and trying to navigate the system for the first time to be told they can put themselves on a *seven-year waiting list*. Seven years, when they likely need help in days or weeks. A few newer programs like Rapid Re-Housing can help people in some circumstances sooner, but mostly, you are on your own if you need housing.
But somehow, food isn’t like that. Thanks to donors large and small, almost anyone in America who needs food can get it today. And keep getting it tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and however long they need it. They can get it in the form of groceries if they can physically make it to a food pantry. They can often get food stamps that can be used at their local grocery store ([click here for more information on Wisconsin’s FoodShare program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program/)). It’s something that people who work in housing can only dream of – it’s an imperfect system, and we’re always trying to make it better, but it WORKS. It works because many people, corporations, and sometimes local governments have collectively decided that we will not let people struggle with hunger. Even when stretched farther than it’s ever been during the pandemic, the [food support system](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) was up to the task. We distributed twice as much food as normal to combat the dramatic spike in food insecurity. If we can do it here, what else can we do?
If you’ve read this far, you probably have your own story of what draws you to the issue of ending hunger. I encourage you to take a moment to think about it, maybe even journal about it! The more we know what’s driving us to take action, the more powerful our collective actions will be!
Eva Wingren
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/evawshfbmadison-org/)
**Categories:** In The News, Stories of Impact
---
### [Ruby’s Pantry Closure](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rubys-pantry-closure/)
**Published:** April 8, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Madison, WI** — Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is aware of the recent closure of Ruby’s Pantry locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota. Ruby’s Pantry has been an important resource for families, especially those on limited or fixed incomes, helping them put food on their tables.
“It’s unfortunate that patrons of Ruby’s Pantry can no longer rely on that resource for their families,” said Michelle Orge, president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “But, I want them to know that they are not alone. Second Harvest and our vast network of partner [pantries are here to provide the supplemental support](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-farms-support-food-pantries-with-fresh-produce/) they need.”
We recognize the impact this closure may have and want to assure families that Second Harvest and our network of partner [pantries are committed to supporting](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-farms-support-food-pantries-with-fresh-produce/) those in need. We provide support to six [communities that had regular Ruby’s Pantry pop-up food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/deerfield-community-center-food-pantry/) distribution events. These communities included Platteville, Dodgeville, Prairie du Chien, Mt. Horeb, Jefferson, and Tomah. We are actively monitoring the situation alongside our [partner pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/) in those communities to determine whether additional resources are needed to ensure that all families have access to enough nutritious food to thrive.
For families who are already familiar with Second Harvest and our network of pantries, and for those who have not [received support](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-receives-50000-grant-from-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-foundation-to-support-hungercare-wellness-program/) from us in the past, please know that we are here for you. Unlike Ruby’s Pantry, there is no cost to utilize our services. Our [mission](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/who-we-are/) is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the food they need, and we remain committed to that goal.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** closure, Ruby's closure, Ruby's Pantry
---
### [FARMERS AND FOOD BANKS: PARTNERSHIPS WITH A PURPOSE](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/farmers-and-food-banks-partnerships-with-a-purpose/)
**Published:** April 23, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
*Michelle Orge, President & Executive Director, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin*
In Wisconsin, nearly 700,000 people are considered food insecure. Six regional food banks, like Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and hundreds of local food pantries and programs work hard to make sure every family, senior, and child has the food resources they need to live a full and productive life.
Over the years, a powerful bond has formed between farmers and food banks. For both, feeding people is more than a job; it’s a way of life rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy, nourishing food.
Traditionally, farmers have played a crucial role in supporting food banks through their generous donations. These contributions provide essential nourishment to those facing hunger and exemplify the farmers’ goodwill toward their community. However, it is important to recognize that, despite these benefits, farmers face the reality of losing the time, labor, and materials invested in growing food that ultimately goes unsold amid razor-thin margins. Today, while it is still critical that Second Harvest receives as much [donated food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donations/) as possible, we are working to make our relationship with farmers more equitable. We do this by purchasing more produce, dairy, eggs, and other fresh products from local providers such as Sassy Cow Creamery, Alsum Farms & Produce, and Elderberry Hills Farm (to name just a few). 34% of the over 9 million pounds of produce, dairy, and eggs that Second Harvest distributed last year were purchased.
Through our [Farm to Foodbank Initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/f2f/ "Farm to Foodbank Initiative"), we set aside funds that are reserved for purchasing locally grown products. It is not just about supporting our neighbors facing hunger; it’s also about supporting Wisconsin farm families.
In addition to building and strengthening relationships with individual farm operations, Second Harvest purchases unsold [produce from vendors at area farmers’ markets](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/) and delivers it directly to local food pantries. The result is the freshest locally-grown produce, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and herbs possible, making it onto the tables of those facing hunger, many times within hours of leaving the market.
Recently, we’ve begun solidifying the connection between the farmer and Second Harvest before a crop is even planted. We collaborate with farmers during crop planning, securing commitments on the types of produce, timing, and price. In some cases, we even purchase the very seeds that will grow into the bounty our community enjoys. By working together in the crop planning stage, we are limiting uncertainty on both sides of the equation. Farmers know their efforts to grow the food will not be in vain, as the product will not go unsold, and food banks can confidently assure their network of food pantries that they will have access to locally grown, nourishing food.
One farmer we work closely with recently shared the following:
“The upfront payment made it possible for us to buy packaging supplies/materials to prepare for the deliveries; it alleviates financial struggles. As a small-scale farmer, most of the time we are using our personal funds to pay for our farm business-related expenses and usually do not get reimbursed until our farm receives payment. The upfront payment made it possible for the farm to fund its own expenses.”
As you can see, the relationship between farmers and food banks has evolved into a mutually beneficial partnership whose true winners are the families and individuals who most need food assistance. It’s a testament to shared values, relentless hard work, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that no harvest and no neighbor is left behind.
When healthy, [locally grown food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/local-food-builds-community/) reaches a family’s table, everyone wins.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** News, Stories of Impact
**Tags:** farmers, food equity
---
### ['It makes our heart happy': Vendors sell excess produce to Second Harvest Foodbank through Market Harvest program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/)
**Published:** June 7, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By [Grace Ulch](https://www.wkow.com/users/profile/Grace%20Ulch) of [WKOW](https://www.wkow.com/)
MADISON (WKOW) — Wednesdays in summer mean local vendors pop up their tents for the Dane County Wednesday Farmers’ Market. But they often have fresh, locally-sourced produce that doesn’t sell.
Rather than letting it go to waste, vendors can get that [food to a local](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) family. As the Wednesday market wraps up around 1 p.m., vendors look for the Second Harvest Foodbank van, where they can grab bins to place their leftover produce.
The produce is then weighed, and Second Harvest writes a check to each vendor. Vendors like Danielle Clark with Clark Family Mushrooms.
Clark says she started participating in the Market Harvest program when it was in its pilot phase last summer. She says when she sits down at the dinner table with her family each night, it makes her happy to know that somewhere in southern Wisconsin there’s another family with fresh mushrooms on their table who otherwise wouldn’t have them.
“Without Second Harvest, we wouldn’t be able to find those people to get the mushrooms to them,” Clark said. “We would just be wasting them. So, the fact that they get cooked that night, it makes our heart so happy. It really does.”
Ben Auerbach, Food Sourcing Coordinator for Second Harvest Foodbank, says donations are the key to making this program possible. They ensure Second Harvest can afford to pay these vendors for their produce.
While the [program is centered](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/east-madison-community-center-food-program/) in Dane County now, Auerbach says one day they’d love to see it spread through southern Wisconsin.
“There’s a lot of markets in more remote areas outside of Dane County that we simply can’t get to. And if we can get donations to help have someone staff that, or even have a volunteer staff that and do buying for us, that’d be amazing,” Auerbach said.
Thanks to the Werndli Charitable Fund, donations made to Second Harvest will be matched up to $15,000. Second Harvest says there’s still about $9,000 left to be raised until they hit that match limit.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News
---
### [Food Bank News: Wisc. Food Bank Adds BIPOC Farmers to Farm-to-Food Bank Mix](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/)
**Published:** July 1, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Like many food banks, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began supporting local farmers by buying food from them during the pandemic. Recently, it figured out another way to support even more farmers, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC).
**Content:**
*The following article recently appeared on [www.foodbanknews.org](https://foodbanknews.org/wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/).*
Like many food banks, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began supporting local farmers by buying food from them during the pandemic. Before long, it was running a large farm-to-food bank program, purchasing produce at market rates from 55 farmers.
Recently, it figured out another way to support even more farmers, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC).
“We discovered that the avenue to purchase from BIPOC farmers was not wholesale or even through aggregators,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director at Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin. “A large number of them sold at farmer’s markets.”
## Market Harvest
So the food bank began a new program, Market Harvest, which operates on site at farmer’s markets to purchase unsold produce at the end of the day at fair prices. The program is distinct from more traditional efforts to get farmers to donate their unsold food at the end of the day.
Last year, the food bank spent about $100,000 on a pilot that helped it purchase nearly 25,000 pounds of produce from more than 20 micro- and mid-sized marginalized farmers selling at farmer’s markets. It expects to work with at least as many farmers this year, and will be doing fundraising to support the program.
The [program aligns the food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/sun-prairie-food-for-kids-program/) bank’s purchases with its values, an approach that can add costs, but ultimately provides downstream benefits. Orge noted that before the pandemic, the food bank purchased only 20% of its food. Now it purchases about 40%, because the amount of food needed is so much larger.
## Supporting the Local Economy
“If we’re going to be purchasing, we should be purchasing in a way that can support the [food system](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) and the local economy, if that’s what we’re trying to repair,” Orge said. She noted that every dollar the food bank spends through the Market Harvest program generates $1.60 in local economic activity. “That money has value-add. It helps farmers and the local economy.”
The food bank takes certain things into consideration when working with local farmers. For example, it makes sure farmers receive their payments quickly, usually within a week, because they typically are in need of funds right away. It’s also exploring a newer partnership model in which it pays a partial amount in advance, giving farmers the ability to purchase seeds, and then pays the rest at harvest time.
“There are so many ways we could support farmers, and right now, the first way is to just make sure that they’re getting money for the [food they’re providing,”](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) Ogre said.
## The New Budget Year
The food bank’s proposed budget for next year includes funding that would expand its community engagement activities. It already has invested in collecting and better utilizing data, as a way to ensure it is distributing food equitably throughout its 16-county [service area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/service-area/). The proposed position, called “community voice,” would add inputs from people with lived experience, including farmers.
Second Harvest has found that working with farmers is all about building relationships. “If we want to work with more BIPOC farmers, we can’t just go get a list of them. We have to build better relationships. We have to ask more questions. We have to keep asking the questions that we think we already know the answers to.” ***– Chris Costanzo***
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Welcomes New Board Members](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-of-southern-wisconsin-welcomes-new-board-members/)
**Published:** July 24, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and dedication to serving our community will help guide the Foodbank’s mission of ending hunger in southern Wisconsin
- **Kelliann Blazek** (she/her) – Hailing from Mauston, WI, Kelliann brings a wealth of experience in food systems, nutrition, and agriculture. Her prior role with the White House Domestic Policy Council during the Biden-Harris Administration and as the first Director of Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity demonstrates her commitment to rural policy strategy. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Kelliann also offers valuable lived experience.
- **Valerie Chesnik** (she/her) – Valerie, a Madison native, currently serves as the Director of Development with the UW College of Engineering at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit and development fields, she is also a founding member of NRSSH (Next Rising Stars of Second Harvest), a group that engaged young professionals in the organization’s mission.
- ****Dr. Jessica Dale**** (she/her) – Based in Madison, WI, Jessica is a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience. As a doctoral-level nurse with a strong background in leadership and advocacy, she brings not only her expertise but also personal insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/child-food-insecurity-rates-on-the-rise/).
“Each of our new board members brings unique skills and perspectives that will enhance our ability to serve our community better,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “We are excited to have them support our vision of a community where everyone has enough nutritious food to thrive.”
The Board of Directors at Second Harvest Foodbank is committed to supporting the organization on our journey toward our strategic goals of nutrition security and [food equity for everyone in the communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/community-food-pantry/) we support. With these new members, the organization is poised to continue expanding its impact across southern Wisconsin.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Madison restaurants' fundraiser lets customers fight others' hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/madison-restaurants-fundraiser-lets-customers-fight-others-hunger/)
**Published:** April 15, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
[By Nicholas Garton](https://captimes.com/users/profile/Nicholas%20Garton) of *The Cap Times*
Sixteen Madison restaurants are offering special menu items through April with proceeds going to Second Harvest, a nonprofit that helps stock southern Wisconsin food banks.
People can order from the special menus in person or online at Aldo’s Cafe, Bar Corallini, Bassett Street Brunch Club, Canteen, Cento, The Cooper’s Tavern, DLUX, Everly, Johnny Delmonico’s, Luigi’s Pizza, Miko Poke, Monty’s Blue Plate, Steenbock’s on Orchard, Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace, Craftsman Table and Tap, and the Hubbard Avenue Diner.
Second Harvest has partnered with participating restaurants in the Food Fight Against Hunger for about 15 years, although the [campaign used to be paired with other monthly](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/adopt-a-dairy-cow-campaign-kicks-off-during-dairy-month/) events. It now stands alone as its own fundraiser because of a [rise in food insecurity,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/child-food-insecurity-rates-on-the-rise/) organizers said.
The participants are all owned by the [Food Fight Restaurant Group](https://www.foodfightinc.com/) headquartered in Monona.
The need for food assistance has grown as post-pandemic inflation coupled with the end of COVID-19 government assistance programs caused many Americans’ dollars to be stretched as thin as ever, particularly at the grocery store.
Second Harvest helps to stock [partner food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) pantries with enough goods to serve an increasing number of patrons.
During the Food Fight Against Hunger fundraiser, a dollar out of every designated menu item bought will be set aside for Second Harvest. At the end of April, each participating restaurant will tally its money and Food Fight will write Second Harvest a check for proceeds dedicated to its food bank.
“It (food insecurity) is on the rise,” said Kris Tazelaar, a spokesperson for Second Harvest. “We are putting out more food than we ever have in the past. In our fiscal year for 2023 we put out more food than we had in our entire history. So far, in 2024, we are outpacing that.”
“The economic conditions most families face are to blame,” Tazelaar said.
“The prices of goods people are seeing in the grocery store have not come down yet,” Tazelaar said. “I think there was an awful lot of COVID assistance out there from the government and all that has gone away now.”
Food pantries also came to the forefront of media attention during the pandemic, according to Tazelaar, and the news coverage led more people to use the services.
“I think part of it was during the pandemic, the need for [food was front and center](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/vera-court-neighborhood-center-food-pantry/),” Tazelaar said. “It was on the news a lot. That lets folks know that these resources are out there and can help.”
At Everly, at 2701 Monroe St., executive chef Diego Guzman has prepared a shrimp ceviche, Baja fish tacos and a blueberry panna cotta.
Guzman has been cooking at Food Fight restaurants since 2017. This is his second stint at Everly in a Food Fight career that has included stops at Cento and Bar Corallini
Drinks are on the special menu as well. Tito’s is a partner during Food Fight Against Hunger, and each restaurant serves Tito’s-infused drinks as part of the fundraiser.
The goal for the Food Fight restaurants is to generate enough money for Second Harvest to provide [food pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/stoughton-food-pantry/) with 55,000 additional meals.
“Every $10 raised equates to 25 meals for a southern Wisconsin person who is suffering from food insecurity,” said CC Jacob, art director at Food Fight Restaurant Group.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Dane County farms support food pantries with fresh produce](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-farms-support-food-pantries-with-fresh-produce/)
**Published:** June 9, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
[By Ashley Weil](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/06/07/dane-county-farms-support-food-pantries-with-fresh-produce/)
*Published: Jun. 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM CDT*
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Crossroads Community Farm in Cross Plains is one farm helping donate organic produce to local [food pantries,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/st-marks-lutheran-church-food-pantry/) supporting the growing need for fresh food.
The certified organic vegetable farm [sells its produce](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/) locally and is growing its food access. They began a program in 2020, hoping to make fresh organic produce more accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford it.
“We are in a really tricky place where there are a lot of people struggling to put food on the table, and we want to do whatever we can to help in that,” explained farmer and co-owner of Crossroads Community Farm, Cassie Wyss.
The food access work has grown in the past five years.
This year, Crossroads Community Farm began a farm-to-pantry partnership where, using [donations](https://givebutter.com/z2s0sM?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKxMCBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp2KSgJ_6vbk3TYE8aoP_DwKlVn5SoUtNBveoM561H9B0zOCvteeILNpyDMRp_aem_WZmjjqZGmQeV40twv-guHQ), the farm can provide fresh produce to Dane County food pantries.
“When you go to a pantry and the quality of the food there is so poor, it sort of communicates to you how you’re valued in society,” said Wyss, “You only get the canned stuff or you get the lettuce that’s already wilting that the farmer couldn’t sell, and so a big part of what we want to do is make people feel dignity when they get food and we do that by giving them beautiful, gorgeous food that’s the same as our paying, paying customers receive.”
Badger Prairie Needs Network is one food pantries receiving Crossroad Community Farm’s produce.
Barbara O’Connell says the need at pantries has grown exponentially.
“Especially now, we’ve had a lot of cuts in state and federal programs. So I mean it seems like every week we get more and more patrons coming through and the need is definitely there,” explained O’Connell.
O’Connell says they are thankful for the partnership they have with Crossroads. She says it is important to them to support local farmers and provide fresh produce to their community.
“Their produce is just unbelievable,” explained O’Connell, “We’re open all day on Thursday, by the time Friday morning comes, it’s gone.”
But Crossroads says there is too much demand for them to meet everyone’s needs.
“I’ve also had to turn away other pantries that have heard about what we do, have called and asked if we could supply them and ultimately, we still need to make sure that the people who work here are paid a living wage and are taking care of, and so we have a cost of production. So I’ve had to say no to some folks who’ve asked for help and that’s always really hard,” explained Wyss.
Wyss said they worked on growing [donations ](https://givebutter.com/z2s0sM?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKxMCBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp2KSgJ_6vbk3TYE8aoP_DwKlVn5SoUtNBveoM561H9B0zOCvteeILNpyDMRp_aem_WZmjjqZGmQeV40twv-guHQ)during the winter season, as they are keeping busy with the spring growing season out in the fields.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights, Stories of Impact
---
### [Holocaust Memorial Day 2023](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/holocaust-memorial-day-2023/)
**Published:** January 23, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** We acknowledge and condemn the traumatic events of the Holocaust. We also have a connection with the Holocaust in another way. Our Food For Thought program, which includes Thea's Table, continues the legacy of Thea Aschkenase, a Holocaust survivor.
**Content:**
January 27th is Holocaust Memorial Day. That date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. At this Nazi death camp, and others like it, millions of people of the Jewish faith suffered unspeakable atrocities, including systemic starvation.
We acknowledge and condemn the traumatic events of the Holocaust. We also have a connection with the Holocaust in another way. Our Food For Thought program, which includes Thea’s Table, continues the legacy of Thea Aschkenase, a Holocaust survivor.
Thea survived many types of abuse at Auschwitz and other death camps, including extreme hunger. In later life, she shared her story with many students, always encouraging them to get involved in anti-hunger work in their communities. Over the years, the level of involvement she inspired ranged from hosting a canned [food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/all-city-swim-and-dive-food-and-fund-drive/) to entire schools taking up her message in a more significant way by creating permanent programs to ensure their students and families had enough nutritious food to eat.
Inspired by her mother’s anti-hunger work, Thea’s daughter Lea founded a grassroots organization called Food For Thought to help Madison-area public [schools run their own food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/second-harvest-food-bank-sandburg-elementary-school/) pantries. In addition, Food For Thought ran a program called Thea’s Table, which focused on providing ready-to-eat meals for families experiencing homelessness or other crises. Even if a family was staying in their car and had yet to connect to any other services, they could get food from Thea’s Table that could be prepared without a kitchen. School-based pantries are a great way to support families experiencing hunger because students and families often have trusting relationships with school staff and a means of transportation to and from school.
Now, the Food For Thought programs are run by Second Harvest Foodbank. To honor the legacy of the woman who inspired them, we also administer the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought. This permanent fund generates resources for our work in schools throughout the region, year after year. [Click here](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/345260/#!/donation/checkout) if you want to invest in our work in area schools and be part of Thea’s inspiring legacy.
While supporting Thea’s work is an excellent way to honor Holocaust Memorial Day, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that genocides like the Holocaust continue to this day in various parts of the world, like Sudan. And the monsters perpetrating these heinous acts continue to use starvation as one of many tactics to achieve their goal. We encourage you to learn more about past and present genocides through the following links:
[ Give to Food For Thought ](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/345260/#!/donation/checkout)
> [Starvation As A Political Tool From The Nineteenth To The Twenty-First Century: The Irish Famine, The Armenian Genocide, The Ukrainian Holodomor And Genocide By Attrition In The Nuba Mountains Of Sudan](https://holodomor.ca/starvation-as-a-political-tool-from-the-nineteenth-to-the-twenty-first-century/)
<https://www.hmd.org.uk/what-is-holocaust-memorial-day/this-years-theme/>
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights, Stories of Impact
---
### [Opinion | Innovation key to meeting Wisconsin's food security challenges](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/)
**Published:** January 24, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
---
*By Michelle Orge, President/Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.*
In my 20 years in food banking, I have worked at organizations in three states serving communities not unlike those in southwestern Wisconsin. What I have learned is that we can’t keep doing things the way we used to, and we need to innovate how we provide support to our neighbors.
The need for our work and our advocacy remains critically important, but the manner in which we work towards eliminating hunger has evolved thanks to innovative and comprehensive ideas that are led by the neighbors, [partners and the communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) we serve. **The solutions to ending nutrition insecurity start with community voice and are achieved with adaptive partners willing to innovate together.**
The type of innovation I’m speaking of is possible in large part because [Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/) is much more than a distributor or warehouse. We are a community-based service organization collaborating with more than 300 [food pantries,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/stoughton-food-pantry/) schools, after-school programs and other nonprofit organizations across a 16-county region.
In addition to providing food support, our partners’ work may also include providing housing support, individual and communitywide health care, and much, much more. Our role is to provide food, use our infrastructure and leverage our relationships, which allows our partners to focus their resources and capacity toward prioritized programming.
Look at our [Farm to Foodbank Initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/f2f/), which is one of the largest programs of its kind in the country. It creates a vital connection between [local farmers and food producers and families struggling](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) with hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. The [program gets more freshly harvested,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/harvest-snack-program-highlights/) nutritious food to those facing food insecurity, reduces our collective carbon footprint, and **in 2022, the program generated million in local economic activity**. This is innovation that removes cost and accessibility barriers while advancing food equity, promoting sustainability and creating a consistent source of revenue for [local farmers and food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) producers.
**The [program is a success because we have the partners,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) volunteers, farmers and community leaders across the region who recognize the importance of this innovation — and they continue to be ready to put this idea into action.**
We’re innovating in other [areas of the food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/jefferson-area-food-pantry/) ecosystem, too. Our robust food rescue program allows us to work directly with suppliers, distributors, [farmers and retailers to safely recover surplus food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) for redistribution through our network of partners. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources estimated that over 1.7 billion pounds of edible food ended up in landfills last year. We’ve been challenging that status quo by stepping in to ensure that when great food is still in its prime, we connect it to [families through our mobile pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/family-promise-community-food-pantry/) and network of partners. Food rescue is valuable as a [food resource to those who are facing nutrition insecurity,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) and it is good for the environment.
Today, the team at Second Harvest and I witness and adapt to change at a scale I’ve not experienced in the past 20 years. Changes in commodity prices, supply chain, legislative policy, federal grants, community need, affordable housing, public health and educational funding are continuously in motion. Yet all of these variables impact [food insecurity in southwestern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/swcap-southwestern-food-pantry/) Wisconsin. That’s why we innovate. Innovation — new ideas that close the gaps — allows us to remain flexible, adapting to the changes that are out of our control.
I don’t know what food banking will look like in another 20 years. What I do know is that we’re going to keep seeking out new answers with community voices driving innovation. If there is an opportunity to support our partners more efficiently, we’re going to explore it. **If our community tells us we can meet their need more effectively, we’re going to listen.**
---
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** food equity, food insecurity, innovation, nutritional support
---
### [Farm to Foodbank program at risk in Dane County budget | Michelle Orge](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/farm-to-foodbank-program-at-risk-in-dane-county-budget-michelle-orge/)
**Published:** February 26, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By Michelle Orge for the [Wisconsin State Journal](https://madison.com/opinion/column/farm-to-foodbank-program-at-risk-in-dane-county-budget-michelle-orge/article_e42d9b6e-8cb1-11ef-9277-f354c6dce6b0.html#tncms-source=login)
Dane County has shown tremendous leadership in supporting neighbors facing hunger while sustaining the local agriculture economy. Throughout the pandemic, Dane County supervisors entrusted local organizations to meet the unprecedented rise in the number of families seeking help, focusing on providing locally sourced produce and other foods.
The result — Second Harvest’s Farm to Foodbank Initiative — has provided more than 14 million meals to families throughout Dane County.
Recently, the Dane County Board released its initial budget plans for 2025. Unfortunately, funding for Farm to Foodbank was not included. This critical support for thousands of Dane County residents is at risk.
In addition to Dane County families receiving nutritious food as a result of the Farm to Foodbank Initiative, more than 220 local growers, farmers and others received a much-needed avenue to sell their products. Second Harvest was the bridge linking supply and demand. Food from local farmers went to hard-working families facing rising costs, stagnant wages and other financial strains.
While the increased need was front-page news at the height of the pandemic, the number of [families in our community seeking food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/family-promise-community-food-pantry/) assistance is even higher now. Dane County pantries saw a 30% increase in need last year alone. So far in 2024, demand is up an additional 20%.
Why is the [demand for food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/) assistance so much higher? While the average income for the lowest-wage earners has gone up 12% since the beginning of the pandemic, the cost of basic necessities has gone up even higher. Food prices rose 25%, rent went up 30% and gas prices increased more than 60%. According to the United Way, a household with two adults and two children in childcare will need an annual household income of over $98,000 to make ends meet. One of every 3 households in Dane County doesn’t meet this threshold.
The increased need in Dane County highlights the increased importance of the Farm to Foodbank Initiative. Our pantry partners will face tough choices if these dollars end. They will either need to raise [funds to buy food, limit healthy food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/all-city-swim-and-dive-food-and-fund-drive/) choices and perhaps even trim back hours and days of operation. It took leadership to build this innovative model, and we are hopeful that ingenuity in the coming weeks can save Farm to Foodbank from ending.
Dane County is a caring and compassionate community that prides itself on coming together for the greater common good. We translate our emotions about challenges facing the human condition into action. We aren’t just empathetic to others. We step forward to see what can be done to make their lives a little easier.
We live in a place that knows how to do hard work. County government has invested millions of dollars in recent years into developing more affordable housing for families. That investment is critical. It creates opportunity and foundations to build success from.
Like housing, [food is foundational](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/bayview-foundation-inc-food-pantry/). It is a fundamental family need and essential to the well-being of all ages. Because of where we live and who we are, I am confident our leaders will rise to this occasion and find a path to continue providing help and hope.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods Partner with Feeding America to Give Back to Local Communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/)
**Published:** December 8, 2023
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
*Organizations teamed up to donate 15,000 pounds of food to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin*
**MADISON, WI, December 8, 2023** – For the seventh year in a row, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods have joined forces to help end hunger across the United States.
The three companies donated **15,000 pounds** of food – equating to **12,500 meals** – to [Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/) through a partnership with Feeding America. Millions of Americans are facing lost or reduced food benefits this year, and Feeding America foodbanks – like Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin – are struggling to keep up with demand.
Representatives from each of the organizations visited Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin today to volunteer, deliver the donation and tour the facility. As part of this partnership, Walmart, Bimbo Bakeries USA and Tyson Foods donated 5,000 pounds of bread and 10,000 pounds of protein that will be given to individuals and families over the coming weeks.
“We are so thankful to our corporate partners for this generous donation,” said Michelle Orge, President and CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “The [end of pandemic-related food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/end-time-missionary-international-food-pantry/) benefits and economic downturn has caused extra difficulties for families, many of whom never thought they’d be in these situations.”
Since 1986, the organization has provided nearly 241 million [meals to communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/bridge-lake-point-community-meal/) across 16 counties. Through its core services of food acquisition & storage, food distribution, and FoodShare Outreach, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin provides those facing [hunger access to enough nutritious food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/) to thrive.
Through its partnerships and [individual donations,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/individual-food-donations/) Feeding America – the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States – provides food to millions of Americans through a network of 200 member food banks, including Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and 60,000 partner agencies nationwide.
**About Bimbo Bakeries USA**
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000 U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Artesano®, Ball Park®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann’s®, Little Bites®, Marinela®, Mrs Bairds®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann®, and Thomas’®. Bimbo Bakeries USA is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world’s largest baking company with operations in 34 countries.
**About Feeding America**
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 [partner agencies,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/agency-partners/) food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.2 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent [food waste and improve](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-to-provide-200000-in-capacity-building-grants-to-improve-food-equity/) food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit [www.feedingamerica.org](https://www.feedingamerica.org/), find us on [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica)or follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/feedingamerica).
**About Tyson Foods**
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under four generations of family leadership, the Company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable and affordable to meet customers’ needs worldwide and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the Company had approximately 142,000 team members on October 1, 2022. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit [www.tysonfoods.com](https://www.tysonfoods.com/).
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through food distribution to its partner agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023 Second Harvest, together with its [partner agencies and programs,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) provided 19.7 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. To learn more, [visit www.secondharvestsw.org/](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/), find us on [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/secondharvestsw)or follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/secondharvestsw/).
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** donate, food equity, nutritional support
---
### [Local food builds community](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/local-food-builds-community/)
**Published:** August 9, 2022
**Author:** Jo Mackai
**Excerpt:** Meet Eric, owner of Elderberry Hill Farms, which is on the outer edges of Madison, WI. He has been growing in the Madison area for 12 seasons already, mostly selling to local restaurants and to Second Harvest Foodbank. Current restaurants that Eric works with include Graze, A Pig in A Fur Coat, Ahan, Bandit, and Madison Club. He thrives off of working within the local community and spending time with his family.
**Content:**
Meet Eric, owner of Elderberry Hill Farms, which is on the outer edges of Madison, WI. He has been growing in the Madison area for 12 seasons already, mostly selling to local restaurants and to Second Harvest Foodbank. Current restaurants that Eric works with include Graze, A Pig in A Fur Coat, Ahan, Bandit, and Madison Club. He thrives off of working within the local community and spending time with his family.
His farm is unique as a diversified farm, meaning that he grows a wide arrange of produce (currently over 20 varieties of produce). On our visit to his farm, we saw beautiful vegetables such as curly kale, dinosaur kale, swiss chard, green peppers, carrots, onions, and more. We are grateful for the array of produce Eric’s farm has provided since the early days of the pandemic. As of July 2022, Second Harvest Foodbank has purchased 1,721,966 pounds of produce from Elderberry. Produce is then sent out to our community [food pantry partners](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) at no cost. Working with Eric has been a pleasure and a partnership we are working to secure for years to come.
While working in the community with local farms isn’t a new idea, it could be considered new for [food banks](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/second-harvest-food-bank-sandburg-elementary-school/). Often there is a stigma that food banks only have canned or even expired food. While there are extensions on many non-perishable items, we understand the significance and joy fresh food can bring. We recognized that here in Wisconsin we have an abundant growing season, and a large part of our [service area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/service-area/) is covered in agriculture. So, it makes sense that we should try to source as much local food as possible and support our community with these nutritious foods. This practice also supports our local economy, making our community more resilient and bringing us closer together.
**Rainbow Chard****Eric laughing and picking rainbow chard****Dinosaur Lacinato Kale** **Onions ready for harvesting** 
Jo Mackai
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/josephinemshfbmadison-org/)
**Categories:** In The News, Nutrition
---
### [Banking on Generosity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/banking-on-generosity/)
**Published:** August 1, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
*The following article was written by In Business Staff Journalist, Brittney Kenaston, photo by Patricio Crooker*
Nonprofit work is not for everyone, according to Michelle Orge, president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, but for those with the right mix of passion, endurance and the ability to adapt, it can offer a rich and fulfilling career.
“Lives can be changed with food. Food is the center of so many things. It keeps folks alive, but it also provides so many other things. It’s fellowship, it’s celebration, it’s tradition. Everybody deserves good food,” said Orge, who talked to In Business Madison about leading one of the region’s largest food pantries, and her work serving the 130,000 people in 16 [counties facing food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/) insecurity.
**What experiences led you to your current career?**
My early jobs were in food service. I learned a lot waiting tables — a lot. I worked in a cooperatively managed restaurant (the Del Rio in Ann Arbor, Michigan), which was an interesting experience. There were no managers, but you still needed to get things done and help direct your coworkers. So there was leadership, without I guess what you consider authority, without the title. It was an interesting experience in leading by example, but also influencing and trying to work with folks and get things done without being officially the boss.
It taught me a lot about how to work with volunteers, how to approach things with folks who aren’t getting paid to do the work, and what their motivations are.
Especially in [food banking,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) everything’s really rewarding, but there are some things you have to clean up. There are some things that are messy. There are some potatoes that aren’t so great. So it’s about asking folks to do some things that might not be what they expected when they came in that day… finding ways to approach that.
An opportunity became available at a [food bank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/second-harvest-food-bank-sandburg-elementary-school/). It was for a volunteer coordinator. I thought, I could do that — it has to do with food, it has to do with management. So I applied for the job, and I got it.
I found that there were so many different things I could do in food banking, and every day was a new adventure. There was this great combination of feeling like you could accomplish something every day, and that you were helping to support folks with food.
At Second Harvest, you say hunger makes everything harder. Lives can be changed with food, and there’s enough food for everyone. I’ve always believed that, and getting food to folks every day is something that matters.
**What are some of your proudest career moments?**
A lot of my proudest moments or milestones are things that I’ve done with other folks or done as part of a team, or when a team that I’ve been on has really tackled a problem together.
It’s a positive and a frustrating thing, this “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I’ve been an impatient person in my career. I want to move forward, and I want to get things done, but when you include other folks in the process, it takes longer, but you get better results.
Everyone had a lot of things going on during COVID, but here in a food bank, there was so much going on. Our work ramped up so much, and we did things that I didn’t think we’d ever have to do. We doubled the amount of food that we were putting out in a building that we thought was at capacity, and now we’re at twice that.
Our ability to pivot and change, and respond to the community, and be flexible and adapt, that has been a pretty proud moment. The growth that we’ve encountered and the opportunities that we’ve embraced through that, I’ve been proud of that as well, for our organization and for myself as a leader.
We’ve also had an opportunity to support local agriculture and local business. We’re a nonprofit, but we’re also a consumer of goods. We purchase things, we purchase food, and when we can align that with our values, that’s really great. If we can support the local economy and help folks in the process, that’s really something that we can be proud of.
(Our) Farm to Food Bank Initiative is paying farmers a fair market price for their food, which supports them, contributes to the [local economy and gets really great food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) to folks.
We’ve been able to be a model for other programs around the country and it has really helped farms.
**As a leader, what have been your greatest challenges?**
In some businesses, the busier you are, the more customers you have and the more revenue you have. For us, the more neighbors that need support, the more it costs, right? And the more donations we need, the more we need to ask the community to help support us.
We don’t receive public funding, and so it’s the generosity of the community, individuals, foundations and the business community that really supports us. When the need increases, then we have to increase our fundraising. And folks really do step up, so while it’s a challenge, it’s also been rewarding.
The other challenge is the lack of control we have over what causes food insecurity … our lack of affordable housing, lack of access to affordable health care, low wages, systemic racism, poverty. We don’t tackle these alone, and we don’t tackle these always directly, but we can partner with others that do this work by giving them food. We’re a supplier.
There’s also a challenge in knowing that there’s enough food for everyone, there is food out there, and we’re not able to get to all of it because of our capacity constraints. As the primary source of food for most of our 300 partners and programs in the 16 counties that we work in, it’s really [challenging to know that more food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) could be going out to these partners, if only we had the capacity to be able to do that.
**How do you balance those challenges with celebrating your victories and achievements?**
Every day I work hard to think of ways to better support our partners and neighbors, but we also need to acknowledge the work we’re doing. … We’re at more than two million pounds of food distributed a month, and prior to the pandemic, it was about a half a million pounds per month.
It can be easy to focus on the “This isn’t enough,” and it isn’t enough because our partners need more. But also, it’s more than it was.
**What is your vision for your career and the organization’s future?**
What are the opportunities for us to expand our capacity? We’re looking at how we can overcome our immediate challenges, and what our long term opportunities are.
Part of what we do here at Second Harvest is we get food from sources, and that food needs to be made family-ready. It comes in these giant bins — these huge containers of frozen peas, like those boxes that watermelons come in at the grocery store. Imagine one of those twice as tall, full of frozen peas. Those have to be put into smaller bags, so we work with volunteers and our staff to… make that food family-ready.
The capacity challenges are that we don’t have the room to safely do that repackaging in the quantities we’d like, so we’re turning away the opportunities to take in some of that food.
There are volunteers who want to work with us, but we have to say no because we don’t have the space for them to safely work in our building.
It feels so disappointing to be turning away offers of help and food that’s out there, and so what we’re looking forward to in the future are ways to work with more volunteers, take in more of that food and make more of that food family-ready for our partners.
We also know that solving this and ending [hunger isn’t just about food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/). It’s about community engagement. It’s about advocacy.
**What message would you share with other professionals, particularly in the nonprofit space?**
I’m an alumni of the University of Michigan … and because I work in a nonprofit, several years ago I was asked to go back and speak to folks who are interested in becoming part of the nonprofit world.
I said, it’s not just about passion, and passionate folks aren’t always going to be successful in nonprofit work. And just because you’re passionate about a mission, that does not mean that nonprofit work is for you.
And a few folks were leaving the room — they were just so disappointed that I was crushing their dreams, but it’s not just passion you have to have. You have to have skills. You have to have endurance. You have to be able to be flexible and adapt and be an innovator, and innovation does not always mean new fancy drones delivering food. It means taking what you’ve got and reworking it some other way.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Rural Wisconsin needs localized help with food struggles, experts say](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/)
**Published:** January 24, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
---
*[By Jana Rose Schleis](https://captimes.com/users/profile/Jana%20Rose%20Schleis), Cap Times*
More than **427,000 Wisconsinites** have a hard time getting enough food to meet their basic needs, a situation commonly known as food insecurity.
Although that number fluctuates, in 2023 Wisconsin food banks are distributing around the same amount of resources they were at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, according to Michelle Orge, CEO of [Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/).
During an online Cap Times Idea Fest panel titled [“Getting Food to Rural Wisconsin: Using Innovation, Technology & Collaboration,”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88kWsuW49dw) Orge shared statistics from the [Food Research and Action Center](https://frac.org/) that show families in rural areas have slightly higher rates of food insecurity than metropolitan areas, **15% of all households compared with 11.8%.**
Food insecurity can look different in rural areas and requires a community-specific response, the Idea Fest panelists said. The seventh annual thought festival organized by the Cap Times started Sunday and continues through Saturday, featuring both virtual and in-person events.
During Monday’s session, Aimee Davis with Alliant Energy announced the company’s $1 million Rural Hunger Initiative to “provide better access, more choice and fresh food to those in need in rural communities.”
Davis said [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) is complex, especially in rural areas. [The Alliant Energy Foundation](https://www.alliantenergy.com/communitysupportandsafety/grantssponsorships/focusareas/housinghunger) hopes to begin a process that generates a variety of solutions specific to rural community needs.
Beyond the obvious nutritional consequences, lack of [access to food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/) can contribute to additional health problems. Food insecurity can cause chronic stress, which then increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension, said panelist Adrian Jones, director of community health improvement at UW Health.
When food is out of reach, its scarcity can compound mental health challenges for adults and children, Jones said.
“There’s increased anxiety, depression, and also sleep deprivation,” Jones said.
In rural areas, food insecurity can be hidden, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t present, Orge said.
“It’s our neighbors. It’s the folks that your kids are going to school with,” Orge said.
Despite public programs dedicated to ensuring basic needs are met, folks in rural communities can still fall through the cracks.
“Public assistance benefits, SNAP, WIC, school meals and things, are so vital but they don’t cover everything,” Orge said.
Along with Patti Habeck, president and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Orge, Davis and Jones discussed ways to find creative solutions to rural hunger needs by engaging with existing community resources.
Innovative solutions to rural food insecurity will come from using a community’s strengths, Habeck said.
“It’s not so much about what can we bring into the community, it’s understanding what’s already in a community,” she said.
“Then finding innovative solutions to be able to utilize those strengths of those rural communities and address hunger differently.”
Habeck and Davis noted that while supply chains were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, rural areas found themselves slightly better off because of their proximity to where food is grown. Alliant’s initiative aims to leverage those types of local resources to find long lasting solutions to rural hunger, Davis said.
**“How can we think of new ways to partner with our farm communities and farmers to actually get fresh, nutritious food that’s grown locally to the folks that are in need?” she said.**
The panel of hunger-relief experts agreed that solving [food insecurity in rural areas](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/swcap-riverdale-area-food-pantry/) won’t be accomplished with a one-size-fits-all approach.
The local food system needs to be considered and understood before solutions are prescribed, said Habeck, from Feeding America, which collects [donated money and makes food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/large-corporate-food-donations/) purchases for distribution to local pantries and other community sites.
“For example, it would be easy enough for me to make a large purchase and bring a semi load of a food product into a small community and distribute it,” she said. “The challenge to that is if I did that consistently I may unintentionally be causing some harm to the local food system.”
Ideally, rural hunger [initiatives should complement the existing food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/) infrastructure. An influx of outside food donations can disrupt local grocery business and risk creating a food desert. Assistance should fill gaps in food access or affordability.
Orge with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin hopes to use the Alliant investment to provide those in need in rural areas with a food debit card that can be used at any store that sells food.
**“We want to strengthen local food economies, strengthen local communities, and this is a way to be able to have the money continue to be spent in those communities,” Orge said.**
Habeck said the Alliant investment allows her organization to tackle the issue in new ways and affords Feeding America space to find original answers.
“In Wisconsin that hunger statistic is so high, but you have to get past those numbers and start thinking of the faces and the families that are behind it,” Habeck said. “Because that is actually what motivates you to find those innovative solutions.”
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Dane County & Second Harvest Mark Anniversary of Initiative to Address Food Insecurity as New Wave of Need Begins](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/)
**Published:** February 20, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
CEO Michelle Orge speaking at press event to mark the beginning of the fourth year of the Farm to Foodbank initiative*Dane County, Second Harvest Remind Community Members of ‘Farm to Foodbank’ Initiative as 20,000 Dane County Residents See End of Federal FoodShare Increase*
This spring marks the beginning of the fourth year of an innovative county-initiated partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin that was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, Dane County, Second Harvest, and its network of local [food pantries and meal sites have provided](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) millions of pounds of freshly grown and locally-sourced food to thousands of families in Dane County.
Dane County Executive Parisi’s budget includes $6 million to sustain the successes of Farm to Foodbank in 2023. The funding comes at a critical time, given recent announcements that temporary increases to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP, or FoodShare in Wisconsin)—benefits designed to help families cope with the financial impacts of the pandemic—will sunset at the end of February.
“The combination of the pandemic and national economic factors resulted in almost 40,000 Dane County residents facing food insecurity last year,” County Executive Joe Parisi said. “Farm to Foodbank was created to [meet the earliest challenges](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) we saw in COVID, and as time has gone by, it’s clearly emerged as the model partnership to meet emergency needs while supporting the local economy. To help weather the economic impact created by the end of the extra FoodShare benefits, we encourage residents to make use of the many [area food resources who receive food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/jefferson-area-food-pantry/) from the Farm to Foodbank initiative.”
SNAP assists more than 41 million Americans in purchasing healthy food. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Congress passed a 15% boost to SNAP to help low-income families and individuals make ends meet during uncertain times. With that boost now coming to an end, benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels. Yet, inflation has caused food prices to remain high. An estimated 20,000 Dane County residents will be impacted by this change, and [food pantries are expecting a surge](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/) in the number of people seeking assistance.
How will the end of extra FoodShare benefits impact the Dane County community? Roughly $5,391,844 will be lost in benefits per month ($64,702,128 per year). The estimated negative economic impact per month will be $9,705,319 ($116,463,830 per year). These calculations are based on the estimation that each $1 that comes into Dane County in benefits generates approximately $1.80 in local economic activity. In addition, Feeding America estimates that the cost of a “meal” in Dane County is $3.71. When you divide the lost benefits per month ($5,391,844) by meal cost, that means approximately 1,453,327 meals will be lost each month (17,439,927 meals per year).
“This initiative connects families facing food insecurity with nutritious food grown and produced right here in Dane County, with the added benefits of strengthening our local food system by supporting local farmers and producers and reinvesting in our local economy,” said Michelle Orge, president & CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “While there is still work to be done to expand Farm to Foodbank throughout Southwestern Wisconsin, we’re incredibly grateful for the foundation we’ve built with Dane County and their continued support.”
At the outset of the pandemic, Dane County officials approached Second Harvest to co-design a program to increase the supply of locally-grown nutritious [food into the emergency food system](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) while providing a market for Dane County food producers who, at the time, were facing devastating setbacks due to the loss of their traditional sales and distribution outlets. Those efforts became Dane County and Second Harvest’s Farm to Foodbank initiative.
“Our partnership with Second Harvest is vital to the success of our food pantry, and in the last three years, with the unprecedented demand on our pantry, the free produce, dairy, and meat we’ve [received from the Farm to Food Bank initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvests-farm-to-foodbank-initiative-receives-50000-from-compeer-financial/) has ensured our customers have access to high-quality fresh foods,” said Goodman Center CEO Letesha Nelson. “We even started a fresh produce stand for our customers to pick out fruits and vegetables as they wait to shop the pantry.”
Since 2020, the county has invested million to acquire and [distribute well over 12 million pounds of locally-sourced food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/). In 2022 alone, the initiative [supported 3.8 million meals through 128 food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/) pantries and meal sites in Dane County. Additionally, 53 Dane County food producers received a fair price for their food, which helped create a positive local economic impact of over $12 million.
“This partnership exemplifies the good that can result when people come together to look for ways to address challenging circumstances,” Parisi said. “This is keeping people who struggle to make ends meet fed and creating income for our local growers and farmers. I’m continually grateful to Second Harvest and each one of the partner organizations for their persistence and creativity in helping us support our neighbors.”
In addition to the Farm to Foodbank initiative, Executive Parisi announced today that Dane County is awarding million in [local emergency food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) pantry assistance grants to:
• Wisconsin Youth Company \| $50,021
• Mission Nutrition DeForest \| $50,021
• McFarland Community Food Pantry \| $50,000
• Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry \| $95,236
• Extended Hands Pantry \| $50,021
• Oregon Area Food Pantry \| $50,021
• Lussier Community Education Center \| $67,627
• Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Community Center \| $50,564
• Deerfield Community Center, Inc. \| $50,021
• JFMJ Academy \| $50,021
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors \| $50,021
• Heights Unlimited Community Resource Center \| $50,000
• Vera Court Neighborhood Center \| $50,021
• District Council Of Madison, Society Of St. Vincent De Paul \| $223,349
• The River Food Pantry \| $111,686
• Badger Prairie Needs Network \| $125,643
• Community Action Coalition For South Central Wisconsin \| $530,844
• Middleton Outreach Ministry \| $201,842
\###
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Foodbank navigating Trump administration cuts](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-navigating-trump-administration-cuts/)
**Published:** April 10, 2025
**Author:** agustin.fernandezb@elevationweb.org
**Content:**
Article [By Andrew Bahl](https://captimes.com/users/profile/Andrew%20Bahl) for The Cap Times
Wisconsin food banks are facing uncertainty, with the federal government rolling back food shipments and programs meant to fight hunger nationally at the same time more people are asking local organizations for help.
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, which serves the south-central and southwest parts of the state, is still evaluating how much its supplies will be affected by cuts to the Emergency Food Assistance Program. That program [provides food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) assistance to low-income residents via distributors across Wisconsin.
Officials at Second Harvest caution that any cuts to federally backed [food distribution are dangerous because of the steep rise](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/child-food-insecurity-rates-on-the-rise/) in need for services. The [food bank serves thousands of households via 300 partner](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) agencies, such as food pantries.
“Any changes mean less money in the hands of our Wisconsin farmers and local economy, and less [food on the table of our neighbors facing hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/),” said Michelle Orge, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “Less food coming in means more different sources that we have to look for, and those are likely going to be sources that cost us.”
Two other Wisconsin food banks — Hunger Task Force and Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin — [have reported](https://www.cbs58.com/news/latest-usda-cuts-will-cost-wisconsin-food-banks-more-than-2-million-04-02-25) they were told by state officials that they would see cuts of over $2 million combined for food deliveries scheduled for this summer.
“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure our neighbors have the nutrition they need to thrive,” Patti Habeck, president and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, said in a statement.
Cuts to the emergency [food program are focused on shipments funded](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/july-all-city-swim-meet/) by the Commodity Credit Corporation, a financing arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture intended to stabilize commodity prices and farm income. The agency buys [food from farmers and then distributes](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) it to food banks or, in some cases, allows farmers and food banks to work together directly.
Commodity Credit Corporation finances $1 billion in food deliveries, which accounts for much of the food distributed via the emergency program.
At Second Harvest, between 5% and 10% of the food distributed in a given month comes from the emergency program, accounting for around 200,000 pounds of food.
The organization does not track how much of those [food deliveries are backed](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) by the federal financing agency. But the cuts come on top of the elimination of other anti-hunger programs as part of President Donald Trump’s remaking of the federal government.
In early March, the USDA said it planned to cut billion in funding for two other programs that pay [farmers for food distributed to schools and food banks](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/). One of those programs, Local Food Purchase Assistance, generated million in [food and worked with nearly 300 Wisconsin farmers,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) according to Gov. Tony Evers’ office.
The federal government also [eliminated](https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2025/03/17/program-that-put-farm-fresh-food-in-wisconsin-pantries-ends/82410562007/) a Wisconsin program created to work with local farmers to improve the resiliency of the state’s food supply chain.
A USDA spokesperson said in an email that the “Biden Administration inflated statutory programs with Commodity Credit Corporation dollars without any plans for long-term solutions” and tied the increased spending to the pandemic.
The agency [distributed 0 million nationwide for food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) assistance programs last month, the spokesperson said, noting Wisconsin had received an extension for spending its share of the money.
“Plainly, (Wisconsin) received a lot of money and needs time to spend it,” the unidentified spokesperson said in an email to the Cap Times.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and others have urged the Trump administration to rethink the cuts. Even Republican members of Congress [have said](https://www.wispolitics.com/2025/250321report/) they would like to continue to ensure the programs are robustly funded, though they have said the food assistance initiatives need to be authorized by Congress, not the president.
The anti-hunger group Feeding America estimates that 617,790 people in Wisconsin are dealing with food insecurity at any given time, and those numbers are growing.
Prior to the pandemic, Second Harvest was distributing anywhere from 500,000 to 750,000 pounds of [food across its 16-county service area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/jefferson-area-food-pantry/). During the pandemic, that shot up to as much as 1.5 million pounds per month, something Orge said was “a challenge.”
Now, the organization is pushing out an average of 2 million pounds per month. The 2024 fiscal year was the busiest in Second Harvest’s history and 2025 is on track to continue that trend.
“There is no playbook for this,” Orge said. “We’re keeping our eye on everything. We’re listening, we’re talking to folks. But we don’t know what’s coming next. And the things we thought would never happen are happening.”
*[Andrew Bahl](https://captimes.com/users/profile/andrew%20bahl/) is a politics reporter for the Cap Times. Andrew writes about Wisconsin politics with a focus on state government and elections. Email story ideas and tips to Andrew at <abahl@captimes.com> or call (608) 252-6418.*
*Please consider supporting Andrew’s work by becoming a [Cap Times member](https://capitaltimes.fundjournalism.org/contribute/?campaign=7013i000000FDIPAA4) or [sponsor](https://captimes.com/advertise/how-to-advertise/article_7dabb8aa-5d4e-502f-a999-eb224a1921e9.html). Sustaining local journalism in Madison depends on readers like you.*
agustin.fernandezb@elevationweb.org
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/agustin-fernandezbelevationweb-org/)
**Categories:** In The News, News
---
### [‘We have to make sure that we’re partners instead of observers’: Gov. Tony Evers continues his fight against food insecurity in Wisconsin](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/we-have-to-make-sure-that-were-partners-instead-of-observers-gov-tony-evers-continues-his-fight-against-food-insecurity-in-wisconsin/)
**Published:** November 19, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
*News story by [Anthony DaBruzzi](https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/about-us/2018/11/28/anthony-debruzzi), Spectrum News – Wisconsin*
MADISON, Wis. — The federal government shutdown is over, but food insecurity in Wisconsin isn’t.
Gov. Tony Evers spent his Thursday at [food banks and pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/kennedy-heights-community-center-food-pantry/) in both Madison and Oshkosh to highlight how the longest shutdown in American history is still impacting those organizations on the frontlines who serve their communities.
“We have to make sure that the federal government is going to be a partner in all of this,” Gov. Evers told Spectrum News 1 during a stop at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
After food assistance was delayed for nearly 700,000 Wisconsin residents, the governor said the federal and state governments each have their own roles to play but need to work together.
“The idea that somehow, we’re just not going to do it because we’re pissed off or something, that’s just irrational behavior, and so I’m hopeful that we have all learned a lesson,” Gov. Evers added.
The governor now hopes the [Food Security Initiative](https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Media/Covid19FoodSecurityInitiative.aspx), a grant program he created, can help food pantries keep their shelves stocked.
It connects local nonprofit food assistance programs, such as pantries, with local producers, thanks to a [$10 million investment as part of the latest state budget](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3f5172e).
“It’s likely now that things have been ‘fixed,’ that it’s going to fade from some folks’ minds again, and it still exists, Michelle Orge, who serves as president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, explained of food insecurity. “It’s still there. We’re distributing twice as much [food as we were at the height](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/kennedy-heights-community-center-food-pantry/) of the pandemic.”
While the latest federal [funding deal makes sure those who rely on food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/july-all-city-swim-meet/) assistance won’t face interruption through the rest of the budget year, Orge said many people are still struggling, especially those who don’t qualify for assistance.
“Without data, we can’t explain certain things, but I don’t need data to tell me that we’re seeing increases of folks coming to our partner agencies,” Orge added.
In Wisconsin, the latest Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Household Stability Budget for a family of four, with two kids in child care, is $126,876 per year, [according to an analysis by the United Way](https://www.unitedforalice.org/the-cost-of-basics/wisconsin).
“So, the difference between folks who are qualifying for SNAP and who may need more support, and folks who don’t need any support at all, there’s a huge gap there,” Orge said.
Those are factors that Gov. Evers wishes more Wisconsinites knew about.
“Think about this; there are probably people in the legislature \[who\] don’t really know that there is stuff like this going on. And so, I think we need to have more people thinking about it,” Gov. Evers said. “And one of the ways is to get them going to a place like this and visit, but also every local community has something going on in the [area of food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/jefferson-area-food-pantry/) insecurity.”
Earlier this week, Gov. Evers also [signed an emergency order to suspend the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) rules](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3fb20c5) over emergency assistance for those facing housing insecurity or an energy crisis.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Foodbank Responds to Unprecedented Disruption to SNAP](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-responds-to-unprecedented-disruption-to-snap/)
**Published:** October 31, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
MADISON, Wis. — As the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is activating emergency response measures to address a growing hunger crisis that will reach a critical point starting on November 1.
Due to the shutdown, nearly 700,000 Wisconsin families who rely on FoodShare (SNAP) benefits will not receive the support that would typically begin on November 1. This disruption means seniors, children, and families with the fewest [resources will face immediate and difficult choices between food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/), medicine, housing, and utilities.
“This is an unprecedented moment for hunger relief in Wisconsin,” said Michelle Orge, President/Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “We cannot wait idly until the full impact hits. We are mobilizing now to ensure families have healthy, nutrient-rich food when they need it most.”
Beginning November 1, Second Harvest Foodbank is doubling its purchase of fresh produce for distribution across its network of nearly 300 partner pantries, programs, and [meal sites](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/salvation-army-janesville-meal-site/). This emergency action ensures our network of partners can request more food—at no cost—to meet the extraordinary surge in need.
To support this expanded effort, Second Harvest Foodbank has:
- Activated emergency protocols to immediately increase food sourcing and distribution capacity;
- Mobilized volunteers and donor support to sustain deliveries of fresh produce and pantry staples; and
- Coordinated with community partners to streamline response and maximize impact.
Members of the public are encouraged to take immediate action:
- Donate food directly to your local pantry to help meet neighborhood needs;
- Contribute to Second Harvest Foodbank at SecondHarvestSW.org. Every dollar donated ensures families, seniors, and children have access to nutritious food throughout this crisis and beyond.
“Our mission remains steadfast to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin,” Orge said. Prior to the pause in SNAP, we were distributing more food than we were at the height of the pandemic. We’ve never seen this level of need and families are facing even more financial challenges and barriers to accessing healthy food.”
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Opinion | Immigration enforcement fears are hampering access to food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/)
**Published:** February 9, 2026
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
[By Michelle Orge \| The Cap Times Guest Column](https://captimes.com/opinion/guest-columns/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/article_bc3e6172-74b4-4450-9248-3a683bd0b93b.html)
As the leader of southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, my job is to ensure everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive. When families are afraid to visit a food distribution event out of fear of increased immigration enforcement, I am profoundly concerned.
There are news stories about families in a Hispanic community in Milwaukee who are afraid to be racially profiled while visiting a food pantry, unlawfully detained, separated from their families or worse. In Minnesota, ICE has been following volunteers as they deliver food, standing outside food pantry entrances, staging at or near pantry facilities, and, in at least one instance, detaining volunteers.
Communities of color are also experiencing fear right here in southwestern Wisconsin. We’ve heard from our partner pantries and other support organizations that some families of color — regardless of their immigration status or citizenship — are afraid to attend [food distribution](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) events.
Every human being deserves to eat. That shouldn’t be a controversial statement, and it certainly isn’t a political one.
I’ve seen what it means when a family doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. I’ve listened to guests share their stories of job loss, health scares and working multiple jobs, yet still being unable to make ends meet. These stories have come from neighbors from every background, identity and walk of life, from those born halfway around the world and those born just down the road.
Hunger doesn’t check someone’s papers before it takes root in their home. It doesn’t ask about someone’s birthplace before it robs a parent of sleep because they are worried about feeding their children. What hunger does is stunt childhood development, strain health, sap potential and deepen inequity.
At Second Harvest and our network of nearly 300 [partners and programs,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/partners-programs/partners-and-programs-email-preferences/) we believe that everyone deserves good food. With food insecurity rates higher than ever, especially in communities of color because of years of systemic racism, our network should be focusing on increasing access to both food and information. Instead, we are considering whether sharing [information about where to access food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-safety-information/) support will increase risk for our neighbors.
Political rhetoric too often gets in the way of substantive progress on the immigration challenges we face. But when a mother goes to a pantry for the first time, she isn’t there to debate policy. She’s there because she’s exhausted her other options. Because her rent went up. Because child care costs are crushing her family budget. Because she wants her children to grow up strong. Those motivations are human, not partisan.
I urge you to contact your elected officials at all levels. Ask them to enact policies that prevent the strong-arm immigration enforcement tactics we have seen at places where people receive help meeting essential needs. It is time for our leaders to unite to eliminate hunger, not create barriers rooted in fear.
Our strength as a community is measured not by how we break people down, but by how we lift one another up. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of immigration status, identity or background, has access to enough nutritious food isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s essential to building a healthy and strong community for all of us.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Supports Nutritious Summers! ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-supports-nutritious-summers/)
**Published:** June 27, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Summertime can be a very busy time for families. With summer camp, little league games, and swimming lessons, families are always on the go. For families who are supported by school meal programs for breakfast and/or lunch while school is in session, affording enough nutritious food can be challenging and can have long-lasting impacts.
What are some of the potential outcomes when children don’t have [access to enough nutritious food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/) during the summer?
- Children are more likely to consume empty but filling calories that increase the risk of childhood obesity
- Students who do not get enough nutrition over the summer months are more likely to experience long-term health consequences than their more affluent peers
- Studies show students from families with low incomes experience a greater “summer slide” in academics than their peers, returning to school two months behind in reading
Just like families throughout southwestern Wisconsin, summer is also a busy time for Second Harvest and our network of 300+ [food providers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/). As a result of the higher cost of just about everything, school meal programs taking a break for summer, and pandemic-era assistance ending, many of our [partner food providers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) have reported a 30% – 40% increase in the number of families seeking assistance.
To meet this increase, Second Harvest is [distributing more and more food every day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/). In recent weeks, delivering over 100,000 pounds of [food per day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) to our network is not uncommon.
“People are excited, surprised, and thankful for the produce we have sourced from local farms. It’s been awesome to connect with our neighbors and bring fresh, nutritious items to their communities!”, says Jackson, Flexible Distribution Coordinator here at Second Harvest.
We are continuously expanding and diversifying our partnerships with schools, community centers, and other opportunities to provide support to southwestern Wisconsin kids and their families. Each neighborhood is a little different, and the [challenges accessing food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) can vary, but we are focusing our efforts on equitably addressing the unique needs of each community.
We all have a responsibility to ensure that our young people have the resources they need to thrive. When we do, we’ll be taking a critical step toward creating a brighter future for our community.
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/hy-cite-nutritious-summer/c496612)
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News & Insights
---
### [Farm to Food Bank program fighting food waste in Dane County](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/farm-to-food-bank-program-fighting-food-waste-in-dane-county/)
**Published:** July 25, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By [Tabitha Bland](https://www.wmtv15news.com/authors/Tabitha.Bland%40wmtv15news.com/) \| *Published: Jul. 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM CDT*
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – In the United States, between 30 to 40% of the food supply goes to waste. The Farm to Food Bank program in Dane County is working to fix that.
Every week, Second Harvest buys produce that farmers at the weekly farmers market can’t sell.
Second Harvest Food Sourcing Coordinator Ben Auerbach explained that they buy up to 2,000 pounds of produce each week, which reinvests around $8,000 back into the local farming economy.
“To know that that they have some here to buy that produce each week, even if they have extra amounts of it from the season is just a core resource for them and core thing they can depend on,” said Auerbach.
Mary Uselman sells fresh produce at the farmers market and participates in the Farm to Food Bank program.
“It helps both ends out both Second Harvest and the farmer. There’s so much produce during the summertime and it’s hard to get rid of it at the market,” she said.
After the food is purchased from local vendors, it is delivered to a local foodbank.
“It’s a happy spot, looking at all that beautiful produce it brings joy to myself, to my volunteers and to our customers,” said Francesca Frisque, Director of Community Food Resources at the Goodman Center.
Frisque helps get the food from the truck into the center.
From there, it is brought to the produce pantry where food bank customers can take it home.
“Food pantry customers are just like your neighbor, just like your friend and they appreciate fresh and local produce just as much as you and I,” Frisque said.
The money used to purchase the [food from farmers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) comes directly from donations to the Farm to Food Bank program.
The [program continues every week while the farmer’s market](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/) is in operation.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest Welcomes Volunteers from iCare and Humana as Part of Hunger Action Month®](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-welcomes-volunteers-from-icare-and-humana-as-part-of-hunger-action-month/)
**Published:** September 15, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**MADISON, WI, September 15, 2022** – Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin welcomed members of the staff of iCare and parent company Humana as they volunteered at its Madison facility today in honor of Hunger Action Month®, which runs the month of September. Sixteen iCare and Humana staff assembled boxes of assorted refrigerated products like eggs, butter, and yogurt. In the coming days and weeks, their efforts will result in hundreds of families throughout southwestern Wisconsin receiving nutritional support.
“One of the many things that were reinforced by the pandemic was that we can’t end hunger alone,” said Michelle Orge, Second Harvest president & CEO. “It’s going to take everyone to take [action to ensure that those facing hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/2023-hunger-action-month-calendar/) receive the support they need to thrive. We are grateful for iCare and Human’s commitment to our community.”
In addition to volunteering at the Second Harvest facility, iCare and Humana staff are also volunteering at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin facilities in the Milwaukee and Fox Valley areas this week. In total, over the span of 5 dates, up to 84 iCare and Humana staff will volunteer their time towards reducing [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) in our community.
“Food insecurity is a serious area of concern across Wisconsin,” said Tony Mollica, Humana’s Wisconsin Market President and iCare CEO. “Our associates work with vulnerable populations daily. Whether we are serving people who have low incomes, disabilities, or both, we’re working to increase healthy days with people who are at the greatest risk of worsening their health conditions through lack of nutrition. That’s why we’re proud to offer volunteers across the state, in Appleton, Madison and Milwaukee, to advance the work Feeding Wisconsin and their member [food banks do to support](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/) our communities.”
Second Harvest and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin are both members of Feeding Wisconsin and Feeding America.
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin** Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through [food distribution to its partner](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity, it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, Second Harvest, together with its [partner agencies and programs,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) provided 19 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. For more information, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org.
**About Humana**
Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.
To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools – such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions – combine to produce a simplified experience with the goal of making health care easier to navigate and more effective.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s website at humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Most recent investor conference presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases and conference calls
- Calendar of events
- Corporate Governance information
**About Independent Care Health Plan (iCare)**
iCare provides managed care coverage for over 45,000 people throughout Wisconsin, most of whom have low incomes or are disabled. iCare has been securing the wellness of people with complex conditions for over two decades. iCare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Humana Inc. For more information about iCare, visit www.iCareHealthPlan.org or call 800-777-4376 (TTY 1-800-947-3529)
**\# # #**
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News
**Tags:** Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Humana, iCare, nutritional support, volunteer
---
### [Staff Reflection: Justified Anger, Black History for a New Day with Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/staff-reflection-justified-anger-black-history-for-a-new-day-with-nehemiah-center-for-urban-leadership/)
**Published:** May 17, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
According to [Feeding America](https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2021/black/wisconsin/organization/second-harvest-foodbank-of-southern-wisconsin), the 2021 food insecurity rate in southwestern Wisconsin for the “Black (all ethnicities)” community was 23%, compared to just 6% for the “White, non-Hispanic” community. And according to the [USDA](https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=104655), Black children are almost three times as likely to face hunger than White children. For Second Harvest to work towards our vision of everyone in our community having enough nutritious food to thrive, we must acknowledge that this troubling disparity exists, understand its causes, address those causes, and be better allies for our diverse community. Additionally, we must understand why our current systems have and continue to adversely impact BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities.
To better understand the causes of poverty and [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) in the Black community, we recently partnered with Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership to engage a group of our staff in a course called *Justified Anger, Black History for a New Day*. The nine-week course explored how African-American experiences and histories have shaped our society, systems, and perspectives. Some topics discussed in the course included Inheritable, perpetual, Race-based Bondage: Slavery in the United States and Modern Civil Rights in Wisconsin.
We recently gathered those who attended the course to reflect on what they learned. The subject matter was new for many, and they found it challenging and uncomfortable.
“A lot of my previous assumptions have been shaken,” said one teammate when speaking about how this experience changed his perspective on Black history and the implications for today. The lessons of complicit racism became a stark reality check for many and are an important reminder that we should not lose the historical context of racist practices and acknowledge the disparities these practices created for communities of color.
While the lessons were emotionally challenging to learn and even more difficult to discuss, the experience brought participants closer. One attendee said, “This enhanced my listening skills and reinforced why supporting and empowering BIPOC communities is necessary to our mission.” When asked how this could change our work, it was mentioned that “By centering Black joy and resilience, we have an opportunity to shift the narrative.”
The work does not end here. As an organization that spans 16 [counties and partners with over 300 food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/) providers, we continue to grow our understanding and shift our actions to be more equitable, center diversity and community voice, and embrace inclusion. We are working towards becoming better listeners, learners, and collaborators.
A special thank you to the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development for the creation and facilitation of this life-changing opportunity to learn and be better allies. If you want to learn with or support Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, please visit <http://nehemiah.org/our-work/justified-anger/>.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News
---
### [Dane County food pantries say demand surged to record highs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/)
**Published:** March 5, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
[](https://captimes.com/news/community/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/article_eb02af7e-d730-11ee-8a00-6bd3a6fbe9eb.html)*Francesca Frisque food pantry coordinator for the Goodman Community Center on Madisons east side said many of our customers are people who are employed full time and finding it necessary to choose between paying bills and buying food* AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL
---
*By[ Nicholas Garton](https://captimes.com/users/profile/Nicholas%20Garton)*, *Cap Times*
Food pantry use is at an all-time high, [according to representatives of six pantries across Dane County](https://captimes.com/news/community/dane-county-food-pantries-say-demand-surged-to-record-highs/article_eb02af7e-d730-11ee-8a00-6bd3a6fbe9eb.html).
Representatives from St. Vincent De Paul, River Food Pantry, Goodman Community Center, Badger Prairie Needs Network, Sun Prairie Food Pantry and Middleton’s WayForward Resources say that demand for food has risen by 112% over the past two years.
The food pantries are struggling to keep up with the rising demand because charitable giving has waned in recent years and pandemic-era assistance has ended, the organizations said in a joint press release.
The 112% increase represents the average increase in the number of household visits across the six Dane County pantries between December 2021 and December 2023.
“We have never turned anyone away, but we have had to put some limits on the amount of food people can take,” Ellen Carlson, executive director for WayForward Resources, formerly Middleton Outreach Ministry, said in the news release. “We worry about how we and other local food pantries can continue to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food.”
WayForward [provides a food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) pantry as well as housing supports in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District and the west side of Madison.
Last spring, pandemic-era support provided by the federal government ran out. This, combined with inflation and rising housing costs, has created a situation where families are straining to keep their children and themselves fed.
“In the past four years, we’ve felt the impact of a pandemic, inflation, high housing costs and increased migration,” said Tracy Burton, director of the Badger Prairie Needs Network Food Pantry. “All of these combined have resulted in over five times the number of visits to our pantry from pre-pandemic levels.”
Badger Prairie Needs Network provided food assistance to 81,000 people in 2023.
Rhonda Adams, executive director of the River Food Pantry, said the number of households in need began growing steadily over the past few years and then surged when most pandemic relief programs phased out last year, resulting in over 276,000 visits by households in need of groceries and meals in 2023 alone.
“Food insecurity is a communal issue, even if we may not always recognize when it is affecting our friends and neighbors, and support from the broader community will continue to be essential to successfully addressing it,” Adams said in the release.
River Food Pantry received $1.5 million from Dane County in 2023 to aid with its expansion to a new 25,000-square-foot space to help keep up with local demand.
The consumer price index remains about 20% higher than it was before the pandemic, and housing costs in Dane County have soared with the Madison area experiencing some of [the nation’s steepest rent increases](https://captimes.com/news/government/why-madison-rents-are-rising-so-fast-and-won-t-slow-down/article_f9ecedc6-2e86-5fd1-8533-8cd6d1e2d3c8.html) since the pandemic started.
“Many of our customers are people who are employed full-time and finding it necessary to choose between paying bills and buying food,” said Francesca Frisque, Goodman Community Center food pantry assistant director.
This puts a burden on food pantries to remain fully stocked because none is willing to reject people in need.
“We won’t turn anyone away, and we’re spending more money each month to make sure our shelves are stocked,” said Catie Badsing, manager of [food security](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) programs at the Sun Prairie Food Pantry.
According to a Census Pulse Household Survey, more than 8% of employed adults in Wisconsin live in [food insecure](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) homes — meaning they don’t know if they’ll be able to afford future meals.
“We continue to respond to escalating pantry need with a variety of food options so people and families don’t have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries,” said Chris Kane, senior director of client services at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
St. Vinny’s representatives told the Cap Times they served 24,764 total households in 2022 and that number rose to 33,088 for 2023.
“We’re thankful for so many generous partners throughout the community,” Frisque said. “Even still, we’re not seeing as many donations come in, and we’re having a hard time keeping our shelves stocked.”
“Without help from the community, we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of our Madison neighbors.”
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Tomah Health Foundation Helps Hungry Families](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/tomah-health-foundation-helps-hungry-families/)
**Published:** December 7, 2023
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
 Tomah Health Community Foundation vice president Jeremy Haldeman left and Foundation president Brian Eirschele center presented a ceremonial check to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin media and public relations manager Kris Tazelaar on December 5th 2023
**TOMAH, WI, December 6th, 2023** – The Tomah Health Community Foundation is helping get healthy food to struggling families in Monroe County. Foundation officials donated $2,500 to the Second Harvest Foodbank’s FoodShare Wisconsin program during an event at Tomah Health Dec. 5.
“Food is such an important part of our lives, good food in particular,” foundation president Brian Eirschele said of the donation. “There’s a need for good food, which is essential to good diets and good health. We’re just fortunate that Second Harvest has people who are interested in taking care of us.”
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin media and public relations manager Kris Tazelaar said the foundation’s donation will support the Foodbank’s FoodShare program. “The way that Second Harvest works in 16 counties here in southwestern Wisconsin is through the generosity of groups just like the Tomah Health Foundation,” said Tazelaar. “They are making a huge difference in the Monroe County community and through Second Harvest we are able to provide much needed [food to those families who are struggling](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) with hunger right here in our community.”
It is the 10th year that the Foundation has supported Second Harvest. “We are just incredibly grateful for our long-standing relationship with the Tomah Health Community Foundation, and together we are really making a difference,” said Tazelaar.
Formerly known as food stamps, Second Harvest Foodbank’s FoodShare program allows eligible residents to receive a debit card that is loaded with FoodShare benefits that can be used at most grocery stores.
“Our FoodShare outreach is going to help folks understand what the program is, what are some of the eligibility requirements and what are some of the benefits that they could expect if they were to apply,” explained Tazelaar. “Most importantly, it actually helps people actually apply for the program because until they apply, they can’t get some of those benefits that can really make a difference in their lives.”
He added that while the FoodShare program helps ensure potentially eligible participants learn how to obtain benefits; it also meets community needs. In fiscal year 2023, Second Harvest assisted with the submission of 38 FoodShare Wisconsin applications in Monroe County, which generated 19,156 meals for [food insecure](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) Monroe County residents. The program also created $102,659 in economic impact in Monroe County.
“FoodShare numbers and application numbers, obviously fluctuate from year to year and they’re a little bit down now. But I think that’s for a lot of reasons,” said Tazelaar. “It’s a matter of us being able to get out there and reach more people to let them know about the benefits and let them know about the application process. The more people we can talk to, the more people will understand the benefits of the program.”
Second Harvest serves residents in Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk and Vernon counties. Residents can learn if they are eligible for the program by visiting GetAQuestCard.org or by calling the FoodShare Help Line at 1-877-366-3635.
“There’s no shame in asking for help and FoodShare can make such a huge difference in the lives of those who do use it to really make ends meet,” said Tazelaar. “The true long-term goal is to end hunger.”
To learn more, visit <https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/foodshare-program/>.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** donate, donor, food equity, nutritional support
---
### [Second Harvest Food Bank prepares for the potential federal funding freeze](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-food-bank-prepares-for-the-potential-federal-funding-freeze/)
**Published:** February 6, 2025
**Author:** agustin.fernandezb@elevationweb.org
**Content:**
Article by [Madison Rios](https://www.wkow.com/users/profile/madison%20rios/) for WKOW.
MADISON (WKOW) — Organizations nationwide are preparing for if or when the executive order calling for a pause in federal spending will go into effect.
This includes Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin.
“The executive orders that were initially issued meant challenges for our community, challenges for the folks that we support,” said Michelle Orge, president & executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin.
Orge tells 27 News, although the food bank doesn’t directly receive federal funding, a lot of its partners do.
“We’re here to fill those gaps and to provide support, that’s what we were thinking about,” Orge said.
She said if federal funding stops at a level above Second Harvest, it will eventually trickle down to the resources the food bank has, impacting its ability to support 16 counties throughout southern Wisconsin.
“We really need to maintain that support, and it’s going to take all of us,” Orge said. “It’s going to take the entire community to help get through this.”
Orge said [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) is at an all-time high. Second Harvest doubled its food output during the pandemic, and it has doubled again since then, even before the Trump administration began issuing orders.
“What we’re looking at now is just waiting, waiting for information, waiting for news, so that we know what types of challenges we’re going to be working through to support our partners,” Orge said.
When the original order was issued, Orge said there was a lot of confusion.
“Folks are already struggling with uncertainty and concerns about employment, concerns about health care, and transportation, insurance, a lot of different costs that folks are facing that fluctuate,” Orge said.
The Trump administration argues the pause in federal spending aligns with the president’s cost-saving agenda and is within the law. Several states and lawyers representing nonprofits are filing lawsuits, calling the order unlawful.
Orge tells 27 News, supporting the communities throughout southern Wisconsin has always been top of mind for Second Harvest.
[Despite a federal judge extending the pause](https://www.wkow.com/news/judge-in-nations-capital-extends-block-on-trump-administration-federal-funding-freeze/article_30b3f457-82d6-5398-a43e-98781d37e973.html) on the federal spending freeze, the food bank is curating a plan to prepare for any potential pauses or any possible increase in food costs.
“If [hunger or food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/) insecurity affects one of us, it affects all of us,” Orge said. “We are built to bend, but the challenge is, is that even though we’re built for it, it takes resources.”
To learn more about the resources available through Second Harvest or about volunteer and donation options, click [here](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/).
agustin.fernandezb@elevationweb.org
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/agustin-fernandezbelevationweb-org/)
**Categories:** Announcements, In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Tuna, beans, Spam: Trump’s tariffs threaten the canned foods millions rely on to survive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/tuna-beans-spam-trumps-tariffs-threaten-the-canned-foods-millions-rely-on-to-survive/)
**Published:** June 12, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By [Victoria Namkung](https://www.theguardian.com/profile/victoria-namkung), The Guardian, 12 June 2025
The US president vowed to cut food costs, but experts warn metal tariffs may raise prices in a matter of months.
Canned foods make up a big part of 20-year-old Cale Johnson’s diet: tuna, corned beef hash, beans, chicken soup, Spam and fruit. They’re affordable and have a long shelf life, which is essential for many people in the US like Johnson, who earns a low income and works two part-time jobs in addition to being a full-time student in Omaha, [Nebraska](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/nebraska).
In the days after Donald Trump’s [recent decision](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/adjusting-imports-of-aluminum-and-steel-into-the-united-states/) to double tariffs on steel and aluminum, Johnson says he’s worried.
“I know that some people have been resorting to stocking up only on non-perishable goods now before they get more expensive,” said Johnson, who has used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) to make ends meet. “There’s a feeling of panic and having to prepare in the coming months.”
One of Trump’s key campaign promises was to lower [grocery costs](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/economy/trump-grocery-prices-inflation/index.html) for consumers who have had to contend with pandemic supply chain issues, rising food prices and inflation in recent years. But his new steel and aluminum tariffs, which took effect on [4 June](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/adjusting-imports-of-aluminum-and-steel-into-the-united-states/), threaten to do just the opposite. The new 50% tariff rate could raise food prices in a matter of months, industry trade groups and supply chain experts warn.
Tariffs on canned goods, which could raise prices for items in steel cans by [up to 15%](https://www.wsj.com/business/the-canned-food-aisle-is-getting-squeezed-by-rising-steel-tariffs-c478693c), would create what some anti-hunger experts are calling a “double-whammy” for people using Snap, now that the program is [facing the biggest cuts in history](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/27/snap-foodstamps-republicans-propose-cuts). The Republican House budget bill, which passed in the House and is now under review in the Senate, would slash Snap, which is considered the US’s most effective tool in [fighting hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/madison-restaurants-fundraiser-lets-customers-fight-others-hunger/), taking food off the table for millions of Americans – including 2 million children – at a time when the cost of key staples is set to grow.
“As grocery prices continue to rise and Snap benefits are reduced, families across the country will be left with fewer resources to meet even their basic needs,” said Gina Plata-Nino, Snap’s deputy director at the [Food](https://www.theguardian.com/food) Research & Action Center (Frac). “We are likely to see a rise in food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness as more individuals and families are forced to make impossible choices between paying for food, rent, transportation, and other essentials.”
The current average Snap benefit is only about $6 a day per person.
[Parke Wilde](https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/parke-wilde), a food economist at Tufts University who studies food security, hunger and the economics of food assistance programs such as Snap, agreed that hunger could “worsen substantially” over the next two years as a result of these policies. “This is a sharp retrenchment in the strength of the hunger safety net,” he said.
If Snap cuts are signed into law and metal tariffs are not overturned or exempted for food production, more pressure will also be placed on [hunger relief organizations and food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/) banks.
“Non-perishables, including canned goods, are always part of our strategy because of their long shelf life and versatility,” said Michelle Orge, executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “Increased costs of canned goods will affect our ability to procure the amount that we have planned for and that our partners and neighbors are relying on. We will either buy less or we will buy less variety if we find a good price on certain items, but not others.
“Increased costs from tariffs could also potentially affect non-perishable food donations since the cost of those items will be higher and folks may be less likely to donate them,” she said.
The Can Manufacturers Institute, an industry trade group, [says](https://www.cancentral.com/can-manufacturers-institute-opposes-president-trumps-doubling-of-steel-tariffs/) the latest tariffs would inflate canned food prices and give foreign canned food producers in Asia, including China, a chance to “undercut” US farmers and food producers.
“The tariffs are a [food security](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) issue,” said Scott Breen, president of CMI. “We want to be able to manufacture cans here and fill them with food grown in the US. The tariffs create an unnecessary cost that someone has to bear: the can maker, the retailer, the brand and the consumer.”
American can makers import nearly 80% of tin mill steel, the type used for products such as canned beans, tuna, chicken broth and tomato paste, a result of the cut in domestic production after the 2018 tariffs on tin mill steel during Trump’s first term. Since then, American steelmakers have shut down nine tin mill lines with only three domestic production lines remaining.
CEOs from companies such as Del Monte, Goya Foods, Bush’s Beans and Hormel Foods have already [called on](https://www.cancentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.4.2025-Tin-Mill-tariff-letter-to-President-Trump.pdf) Trump for targeted tariff relief on tin mill steel and aluminum produced by allies such as Canada before the tariff was doubled from 25% to 50%, however it is unclear if an exemption will be granted.
The Aluminum Association, which represents companies that make most of the aluminum and aluminum products shipped in North America, said in a recent [statement](https://www.aluminum.org/news/aluminum-association-statement-50-section-232-aluminum-tariffs) that the tariff of 50% “threatens to undermine the very industry the administration aims to support”.
Although Trump says he is attempting to revive US manufacturing with his tariffs, rising grocery prices would be part of a ripple effect that could raise costs across various industries.
In the end, it’s regular people who will pay the price.
“Food [insecurity is not going away … and people’s food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) prices are not going down,” said Frac’s Plata-Nino. “GOP policymakers haven’t thought about those things because the lived reality of average Americans is very different from those who live in wealthy places.”
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights, Stories of Impact
---
### [FAMILY & FOOD GO TOGETHER](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/family-food-go-together/)
**Published:** November 22, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Our mobile food pantries support thousands of families like Kristen’s every month throughout southwestern Wisconsin, thanks to your generous gifts.
**Content:**
## Family & Food Go Together
Kris Tazelaar
For Kristen Benjamin, cooking and family go hand-in-hand. Growing up in Chicago with her mom, dad, and sister, she remembers that connection between family and food. “I have cousins, aunts, and uncles,” she said. “Family was always over at our house because mom loves to cook.”
A few years ago, Kristen moved to Madison looking for a better life, but that connection between food and family is still strong. “I love to cook, and they love to eat,” said Kristen. **“With kids and grandchildren living in the area and friends and neighbors regularly stopping by, you never
know how many people will be at the dinner table. That’s what brings a family together.”**
When she was in Chicago, Kristen regularly worked two jobs, but now painful sciatica and degenerative scoliosis prevent her from working. But thanks to various public programs, her kids, help from her significant other, and Second Harvest’s mobile food pantry that comes to her apartment complex each month, Kristen is able to keep bringing the family together around the dinner table.
“I love the Second Harvest pantry, and it helps a lot. The workers are good to get along with and very understanding. And they’re good items that you receive. It makes things a lot easier!”
Our [mobile food pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/) support thousands of families like Kristen’s every month throughout southwestern Wisconsin, thanks to your generous gifts. Thank you!
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, Stories of Impact
---
### [Capacity-building grants to improve food equity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-foodbank-to-provide-200000-in-capacity-building-grants-to-improve-food-equity/)
**Published:** April 15, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**MADISON, WI, April 14, 2022** – Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin announced today that they have awarded $200,000 in capacity-building grants to four area organizations to increase food equity in our community. The goal of the initiative is to learn from and build long-term racially diverse nutrition distribution strategies as defined by the community to address health disparities and advance food equity.
Michelle Orge Second Harvest PresidentCEO speaking at capacity grant press conference“Everyone in our community should have enough nutritious and culturally meaningful food to thrive,” said Michelle Orge, Second Harvest’s President/CEO. “These grants aim to support programs that increase food equity in communities of Color who disproportionally face food insecurity, and help us learn how to further improve food equity in the future.”
Grant proposals were accepted from February 1, 2022 through March 14, 2022. Proposals for projects ranging from $2,500 – $75,000 were accepted from groups and organizations that met the following criteria:
- Eligible applicants are designated as a registered 501c3 -or-
- Organizations, mutual aid groups, collectives, and tribal organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 non-profit
- Projects must support community(ies) within the 16 counties in the Second Harvest service area
- Efforts should be led by, or conducted in partnership with, racially diverse communities impacted by food insecurity
A total of 36 eligible proposals were received, with funding requests nearing $1.8 million.
Funding for the grants must be used between April, 2022 and June, 2023. Details of the four proposals that will be funded are:
1. Groundswell Conservancy will receive $7,800 to help create more equitable water access through a water distribution system. This new system will help Hmong growers produce culturally-relevant food for the Hmong and greater community, and help to create land security for growers to advance food sovereignty and food security.
2. Kennedy Heights Community Center will receive $55,800 to fund a project that will center healthy, delicious, and culturally relevant food across all of their programs. They will begin a Resident Advisory Committee, revitalize their Community Garden space, and start a cooking club focused on sharing food traditions.
3. REAP Food Group along with Roots4Change will receive $61,441 to help fund their Farm to Families program that highlights food preparation centering on cultural pathways, purchasing food from female and BIPOC growers, and the creation of a co-learning space related to cooking, breastfeeding, and food policy.
4. The Hmong Institute will receive $75,000 to support their Food Care Box Program-access new products that are culturally relevant, address policy gaps in local food pantries, and support families currently on a waitlist.
The four proposals that were selected emphasize the following:
- Strategies that advance culturally meaningful foods distribution
- Testing food access entry points for racially diverse communities
- Community centered priorities and solutions with racially diverse leadership and partners
- Centering/Leveraging community assets and fostering authentic relationships
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin** Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through [food distribution to its partner](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 Second Harvest, together with its [partner agencies and programs,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/) provided 19 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. For more information, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** food equity, food insecurity, grant
---
### [Responding to tragedy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/responding-to-tragedy/)
**Published:** May 20, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin are devastated by last weekend’s racially motivated killing of 10 people and injury of three additional people in Buffalo, NY, and are taking action to support the Buffalo community.
**Content:**
We at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin are devastated by last weekend’s racially motivated killing of 10 people and injury of three additional people in Buffalo, NY, and are taking action to support the Buffalo community.
Second Harvest has made an [organizational commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/) (EDI), recognizing the overlapping and interdependent systems of oppression that lead to food insecurity. Our mission is to end hunger in Southwestern Wisconsin, but we believe that in order to accomplish our mission we must actively call out racism, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression in any community. We also recognize the importance of supporting [communities and partners](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) in service of this belief. In light of the impact on food access in the East Side district of Kingsley, Second Harvest will be [supporting FeedMore Western New York with its food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/) acquisition and distribution work in Buffalo. We encourage you to pause and honor the lives lost in Buffalo and support that community through gifts to the [FeedMore Western New York emergency response fund](https://www.feedmorewny.org/donate/).
Thank you to our community for your ongoing support of Second Harvest and partnership in our work.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Commitment Statement, In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** Buffalo, diversity, equity, inclusion, racism, Responding To Tragedy
---
### [Senior Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/senior-hunger/)
**Published:** May 2, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Hunger is an alarming issue that many seniors and older adults in our community face. **In fact, the number of seniors who are considered “food insecure” or “low food secure” has risen 222% in the last 20 years.**
This lack of access to enough nutritious food is caused by many circumstances, including living on a fixed income, limited retirement savings, rising food and medicine costs, and difficulty accessing food resources like food pantries and meal sites.
**Senior and Older Adult Hunger Facts**
- Food insecurity among both seniors and older adults remains higher than prior to the Great Recession.
- 1 in 14 seniors age 60 and older was food insecure in 2021. 7.1% of the senior population was food insecure.
- 1 in 11 older adults aged 50 to 59, or 9.4% of the older adults population, were food insecure in 2021.
- Seniors who are food insecure are 65% more likely to be diabetic.
- Seniors and older adults are more likely to suffer from conditions such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, and gum disease.
- Older adults with food insecurity consume lower levels of key nutrients such as protein, vitamins A and C, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Insufficient nutrition can lead to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic diseases.
- Many seniors and older adults in minority communities live in food deserts, where they don’t have convenient access to full-service grocery stores.
Here are just a few of the ways Second Harvest and our network of [food providers are supporting](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/) the older adults and seniors facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin:
- [Mobile food pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-food-pantry-calendar/)
- [Health & wellness programs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/health-wellness-programs/)
- Meal sites (at select partner agency sites)
- Home delivery (at select partner agency sites)
To learn more about food insecurity among seniors, review *[The State of Senior Hunger](https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/state-senior-hunger)*, a report produced by [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/).
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights, Nutrition
---
### [GLO Pantry Provides Hope and a Sense of Community](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/glo-pantry-provides-hope-and-a-sense-of-community/)
**Published:** May 10, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Once a month, Cynthia McDonald, GLO’s energetic and passionate Coordinator, and her dedicated volunteers help unload a Second Harvest truck filled with nutritious food and set up a drive-through line for their guests. Over the next three hours, car after car will pull up, be greeted with a smile, get their food put in their trunk, back seat, or pickup bed, and head home.
**Content:**
Southwestern Wisconsin is stronger when we all come together. There’s no better example than our partnership with Lodi’s Gospel Lighthouse Outreach (GLO) mobile food pantry.
Once a month, Cynthia McDonald, GLO’s energetic and passionate Coordinator, and her dedicated volunteers help unload a Second Harvest truck filled with nutritious food and set up a drive-through line for their guests. Over the next three hours, car after car will pull up, be greeted with a smile, get their food put in their trunk, back seat, or pickup bed, and head home.
At first, GLO supported about 50 families per month. But now, increased living costs and job loss in the area have driven those numbers up to about 450 families per month. Additionally, the fact that their guests live in a rural area, with fewer grocery stores than more urban areas and no public transportation to help get residents to and from the grocery stores presents additional challenges.
According to Cynthia, GLO is about their guests. “It’s about healing the soul,” she says. “If you come through that line, we will help you.”
“We see people who had a lot and lost everything,” said Cynthia. “Once all the bills are paid, the money for food just isn’t there.”
Joleen, a guest turned volunteer at GLO, talks about how GLO has helped her family. “It’s helped us a lot. Some months the bills add up quickly. But I know that I can rely on Cynthia. I wish more people wouldn’t be embarrassed to ask for help.” GLO has helped Joleen in other ways too. One day, after driving through the line and picking up her food, Joleen noticed that Cynthia was short a few volunteers. She asked if she could help. “Now I’m helping others,” Joleen recalls. “That’s huge!”
In addition to helping [distribute food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) in the line, Cynthia, Joleen, and other volunteers regularly do home deliveries to families that can’t make it to GLO.
When you ask Cynthia why she’s so passionate about GLO and the families it supports, it’s personal. For 40 years, Cynthia’s family helped other families facing [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) by running a pantry in another part of Wisconsin. And when Cynthia started her own family, she shared that they “wouldn’t have been able to get by without family and community support.”
Today, thanks to Cynthia’s mom convincing her to re-ignite the family legacy of supporting those struggling with hunger, and a strong commitment from Lodi community leaders, Cynthia works with Second Harvest to support families in the Lodi area and beyond. “The great thing about working with Second Harvest is they [provide so much food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) for free.”
Thanks to our [partner food providers like GLO, volunteers, community leaders, food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) provider guests, Second Harvest, and our supporters like you coming together, we are making our community stronger. Thank you!
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, Stories of Impact
---
### [Indigenous Peoples’ Day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/october-10-2022-indigenous-peoples-day/)
**Published:** October 6, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Monday, October 10, 2022**
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the past, present, and future of Native Peoples throughout the United States. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities and also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October. More and more cities and states are recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a counter-holiday to Columbus Day. Wisconsin first did so in 2019.
The land where Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is located is the ancestral home of [Ho-Chunk Nation](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fho-chunknation.com%2F%2520Great%2520idea%2520Brian%2520Squire%2520Brian%2520Squire%252011%3A24%2520PM%2520Sep%252023%2520I%2520moved%2520this%2520down%2520because%2520I%2520feel%2520like%2520we%2520should%2520center%2520the%2520Day%2520and%2520it%27s%2520meaning%2520first%2520and%2520our%2520decision%2520to%2520recognize%2520it%2520second.%2520Cristina%2520Johnson%2520Cristina%2520Johnson%25205%3A26%2520PM%2520Sep%252023%2520Add%3A%2520%25E2%2580%259CWe%2520encourage%2520staff%2520to%2520use%2520this%2520day%2520to%2520observe%2C%2520reflect%2C%2520and%2520learn%2520more%2520about%2520Indigenous%2520Peoples%25E2%2580%2599%2520day%25E2%2580%25A6%25E2%2580%259D%2520Brian%2520Squire%2520Brian%2520Squire%25209%3A30%2520PM%2520Sep%252023%2520I%2520lifted%2520this%2520from%2520the%2520Feeding%2520America%2520website%2520Brian%2520Squire%2520Brian%2520Squire%25209%3A58%2520AM%2520Today%2520New%2520I%2520was%2520able%2520to%2520attend%2520the%2520REAP%2FTribal%2520Elder%2520Food%2520Box%2520dinner%2520that%2520Demi%2520helped%2520organize%2520last%2520night%2520and%2520I%2520think%2520we%2520should%2520definitely%2520call%2520greater%2520attention%2520as%2520a%2520part%2520of%2520this%2520and%2520other%2520emails%2520to%2520the%2520program%2520that%2520Feeding%2520Wisconsin%2520is%2520managing.%2520Brian%2520Squire%2520Brian%2520Squire%25209%3A32%2520PM%2520Sep%252023%2520This%2520site%2520has%2520a%2520lot%2520of%2520good%2520info%2520and%2520events.%2520%2520Turn%2520on%2520screen%2520reader%2520support&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771720874202%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SHI4HFpuGu%2BCc5reFMK0UAyqcC6O8lHPCilpFs7JGOo%3D&reserved=0), who have called this land Teejob (day-JOPE).
Hunger impacts every community in the United States, yet Native Americans are more likely to face hunger. Before the pandemic, 1 in 4 Native Americans struggled with hunger — more than twice the rate of white individuals.
[Feeding Wisconsin](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffeedingwi.org%2Fprograms%2Ftribalfoodsecurity%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771720874202%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BwcK3u6NYtSn4M%2Fr2RgtSexxFozLxPqzSCPt1pa2p2g%3D&reserved=0), the state-wide association of Feeding America food banks, is working with Tribal partners to support programs that increase nutrition security to ensure that all Tribal members have the food that they need and desire, and Tribal food sovereignty by expanding support and capacity of Tribal producers. The Ho-Chunk Nation has partnered with Second Harvest to administer the monthly Tribal Elder Food Box Program, which runs May – December. The average box is 14-16 pounds and contains a combination of protein, produce, and shelf-stable items like white corn, maple syrup, and wild rice. Each box is accompanied by a newsletter containing weekly producer profile spotlights and recipes contributed by Indigenous chefs and home cooks.
Ho-Chunk Nation has distributed 1,750 boxes to Tribal Elders within 9 communities.
The September box included the following items from local and Tribal producers:
*[Red Cliff Fish](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fredcliffish.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ISSNP7zDJWJFYABBY4%2Fx3otiNzSDOfyTluTxs3LNwgk%3D&reserved=0) -Smoked Whitefish
*[Superior Fresh](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superiorfresh.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wc1AGTZdHrwhfO5MOCXb8sf0n8qyxbJuavOXC63vmCQ%3D&reserved=0) -Frozen Salmon
[WI Pork Association](https://wiorg/) -Ground Pork
*[Bodwewadmi Ktegan](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm.fcpotawatomi.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Tc%2Bg1pIGi0oFq556v4dt3lc3Ue8osNhpXtyUbM0sBIY%3D&reserved=0) -Aquaponic Lettuce
*[Cattail Organics](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcattailorganics.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VkUo8sQfC0FnnkIckGsGeAQ5UqRzeo2J%2FLGXPBn6I%2Bk%3D&reserved=0) -Carrots
[We Grow LLC. ](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwegrowfoods.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VX9up4QmU8xBuO5YhthogqrTLitBlVX5QzvbLkE6RTU%3D&reserved=0)– Mixed Herbs
[Sterling Farms](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sterlingpotatoes.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jojgdDubhnerjritCmmAR8K8HIUpy58DIC%2BnWbLmq3Y%3D&reserved=0) -Paroli Potatoes
*[Bushel and a Peck Apple](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bushelandapeckmarket.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xoTu0q%2FNn166l8pW2kRDljY1uUbT9fMPTsoKZw2KCWA%3D&reserved=0)s* -Apples
*[Seasonal Harvest](https://www.facebook.com/Seasonalharvestgb/) -Garlic Bulbs
*[Red Door Family Farm](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddoorfamilyfarm.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=58DiDHt058Z4pzP4F5FuEMkUzO2hK311ZxYXdQMU5Bo%3D&reserved=0) -Onions
*Naturally Wild*-Wild Rice
On Monday, October 10, Second Harvest will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We encourage [staff to use this day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/staff-reflection-justified-anger-black-history-for-a-new-day-with-nehemiah-center-for-urban-leadership/) to observe, reflect, and learn more about Indigenous People.
**For ideas on how you can observe and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, click [here](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dosomething.org%2Fus%2Farticles%2Findigenous-peoples-day%3Futm_source%3Demail_wyd%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dwyd_2019_10_15&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yL4Q4iGuF8LmRcCXUX2%2FjdiOGmYMmMuuQfzQdGAY6Lk%3D&reserved=0).**
*Social media accounts to follow:
- <https://www.facebook.com/madisoncollegeNASA>
- <https://www.facebook.com/Native-American-Community-of-Madison-220449291339915>
- <https://www.facebook.com/HCNMadBranch>
*Some local celebrations you may be interested in are:
- Feeding America presents: [Indigenous People’s Day Celebration, Friday Oct, 7 10-11:30am CT](https://feedingamerica.sharepoint.com/sites/Leadership_edi/SitePages/Feeding-America%E2%80%99s-Indigenous-People%E2%80%99s-Day-Celebration.aspx)
- UW Madison is hosting an [American Indian Studies 50th Anniversary Celebration](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftoday.wisc.edu%2Fevents%2Fview%2F173236&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CRFlzccxllSk7z3XrDaByxMYaKNP5SarX%2FpXy%2Byn%2BYY%3D&reserved=0) at the Discovery Building. This event is open to the public, however registration is highly encouraged.
**Additional Resources:**
*Sites to learn what indigenous land you live on:
- [https://native-land.ca/](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnative-land.ca%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qe9Mtu5zdBZYdhU7mQ%2BlQWaYtR0L5axBY2PQ3%2FGed1s%3D&reserved=0)
- [Wisconsin Specific Native Land Map](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwisconsinfirstnations.org%2Fnative-land-map%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=R1hD5vhXntzMEoB99ZSGMyfCVISoQAbq%2F1vVP9%2F7Dzs%3D&reserved=0)
- [National Museum of the American Indian](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famericanindian.si.edu%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721030425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=I8fJd3u855y6Xw14%2Fhx2gPIFSuqj8qq2cuUiHhAxOHI%3D&reserved=0)
*Websites Connecting to our work in food/nutrition security:
- [https://www.indigenousfoodsystems.org/food-sovereignty](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indigenousfoodsystems.org%2Ffood-sovereignty&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721186700%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0kk1JW6ip%2BEHTTQZI2oR5eShYvWfgBFjMheJJrNWX9w%3D&reserved=0)
- [https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/9-ways-to-learn-about-indigenous-food-systems/](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nycfoodpolicy.org%2F9-ways-to-learn-about-indigenous-food-systems%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd473ee32ff464fd04c9208daa7c74ed6%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C638006771721186700%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hr0ILZ2rZeDutjLcRkulbF4YaHpaYHbqYoqSIWeEcDE%3D&reserved=0)
- <https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/2020/11/november-native-american-heritage-month>
- <https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/resource/first-glance-hunger-health-equity-spotlight-native-americans/>
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Commitment Statement, EDI Accountability Updates, In The News
---
### [Veteran's Day - November 11](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/veterans-day-november-11/)
**Published:** November 8, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Veterans Day honors the sacrifices of those who have served or who are serving in our armed forces in the United States. This day gives us intentional time to celebrate our veterans, their families, and to remember with gratitude those who gave their lives in the service of our country. It is celebrated on the 11th of November, marking the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. It was declared a national holiday in 1938, and renamed Veterans Day in 1954, in order to be inclusive of veterans of all wars.
The National Veteran’s Day theme for 2022 is honor. The concept of honor in our society is a feeling of high esteem and great respect, acting and living with fairness and integrity. The American flag has long been a symbol of honor for our country. The colors are significant, and each represents something different. Red represents bravery, white purity, and blue perseverance and justice.
For additional details on the flag and its code, click [here](https://www.usa.gov/flag).
On November 11th, Second Harvest will observe Veteran’s Day. Our [staff is encouraged to take this time to reflect](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/staff-reflection-justified-anger-black-history-for-a-new-day-with-nehemiah-center-for-urban-leadership/) and to pay gratitude in some way to members of our armed forces.
For a full history on the day and its intent, click [here.](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fopa%2Fvetsday%2Fvetdayhistory.asp&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbae9e7b4ece74bdaa27a08d99e482364%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C637714854924807845%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=OuntuP7rp0rrfUKSOW8wSUdASnXfsuTOisfLR2LQYlo%3D&reserved=0)
Some local celebrations and activities you may be interested in:
- DreamBank presents a conversation with Laura Colbert, award-winning author, and female military member. To register, click [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-event-behind-the-uniform-the-untold-truths-about-veterans-registration-418102865927). (Monday, Nov. 7th)
- The Wisconsin Department of Veteran’s Affairs has its official celebration planned at the Wisconsin State Capitol, click [here](https://wisvetsmuseum.com/wisvetsevent/veterans-day-observance-at-the-wisconsin-state-capitol-building/) for details.
- The Madison Senior Center is holding a celebration, with the Mayor and several Representatives in attendance. View details [here](https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/veterans-day-tribute).
- Madison College’s Native American Student Association and Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement present their annual Veteran’s Day event [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-day-2022-tickets-453942212377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch).
- Virtual Race benefiting [DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, ](http://cst.dav.org/)which supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide direct service to ill, injured, or wounded veterans. This can be completed any time in November! Sign up [here](https://www.raceplace.com/events/10843/madison-2022-veterans-day-1m-5k-10k-13-1-26-2-benefitting-dav-disabled-american-veterans-charitable-service-trust).
- Plan a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum: [https://wisvetsmuseum.com/plan-your-visit/](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwisvetsmuseum.com%2Fplan-your-visit%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbae9e7b4ece74bdaa27a08d99e482364%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C637714854924857820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=KmRg8IU5WblcXGNKXQQf8Wt%2Fu2VqI9DUC4fs9tpdg94%3D&reserved=0)
*If you are a veteran who needs assistance, visit* [*VetsNet*](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisvetsnet.org%2Fservices&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbae9e7b4ece74bdaa27a08d99e482364%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C637714854924867813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=JzBZ8I6z%2Bkeu0RWGvxuceOpR7xT8RlJjLnLofWOs%2BPE%3D&reserved=0) *to find local resources.*
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News
---
### [Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/juneteenth-celebrating-the-end-of-slavery/)
**Published:** June 12, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Monday, June 19, 2023, is Juneteenth, one of our newest federal holidays. The goal of Juneteenth is to recognize, honor, and celebrate the end of slavery through parades, street festivals, concerts, and community cookouts.
Juneteenth celebrates Black American freedom and embodies an opportunity to come together in appreciation, commemoration, and acknowledgment of the struggles Black Americans had in the past and continue to endure. It also pays tribute to the resilience, roles, and contributions of Black Americans throughout US history and today.
Why Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” It is in honor of the fact that on June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The proclamation only applied to places under Confederate control and not to slave-holding border states or rebel areas already under Union control. Texas experienced no significant Union presence, and slavery continued until General Granger arrived in June of 1865. After his declaration, 250,000 enslaved people were effectively freed.
While Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate, it is also our collective responsibility to acknowledge that much work must be done to eliminate the structural and institutional racism that is the cause of many inequities throughout society, including higher rates of [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) for Black Americans.
Second Harvest will continue to [partner with and provide](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) learning and application opportunities to our team and community to build a more equitable and inclusive southwestern Wisconsin.
 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News, News
---
### [August is Make a Will Month](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/planned-giving/)
**Published:** August 5, 2022
**Author:** Eva Wingren
**Excerpt:** Second Harvest is partnering with FreeWill to make it easier than ever to plan your legacy. Like it sounds, FreeWill will walk you through the process of making a real will, online, for free. They make it easy to plan a bequest to Second Harvest.
**Content:**
“What is a legacy?” asks Alexander Hamilton in the hit musical about his life. “It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” As a relentless advocate for his vision of America, he sings these words while realizing that he may no longer be around to influence decisions. I come back to these lines over and over. They make me hope that, in the face of enormous challenges facing the community today, I too can have an impact.
If you think you need to be as good with language as Hamilton to plan your legacy, think again! Second Harvest is partnering with [FreeWill ](https://www.freewill.com/secondharvestmadison)to make it easier than ever to plan your legacy. Like it sounds, FreeWill will walk you through the process of making a real will, online, for free. They make it easy to plan a bequest to Second Harvest or other local nonprofits – though it is of course not required!
Mike Wilson, our Chief Administrative Officer, used [FreeWill](https://www.freewill.com/secondharvestmadison) to put Second Harvest in his will. “Besides my role at Second Harvest, I volunteered as a temporary Finance Manager in the aftermath of natural disasters,” Mike shared. “My job was to maintain accountability for the many resources that get distributed in an emergency. When I deployed to Louisiana for two weeks to support Hurricane Ida relief, I was encouraged to make a will. Going into an active disaster area, anything could happen. I had a lot to do to prepare for my deployment, but using FreeWill made it easy to check this item off my list. And since I see the great work that Second Harvest does every day, including them in my will was an easy decision.”
When making your gift, you’ll have the opportunity to direct it to one of our endowment funds if you choose. We invest endowment funds for the long term and use the interest to further our mission. If you want your gift to have an impact for the longest possible time, this is the way to do that! You can choose to support our general operations. Or, by giving to the *Thea Aschkenase Endowment Fund for Food For Thought*, your gift will support children’s nutrition via [school pantries](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/grand-marsh-school-pantry/). [Read more about Thea and how we became part of her legacy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/070822_Food-For-Thought-Single-Pager.pdf). Or, you can get in touch with us if there’s something specific you want to support!
Maybe you’ve already made a will, though – good for you! If you’ve designated a gift to Second Harvest some other way, [we’d love it if you would let us know!](https://www.freewill.com/record/secondharvestmadison) We want to be able to say thank you for considering our work as part of your legacy.
By giving to Second Harvest in your estate plan, you become part of a special group of donors who have invested in a future of nutrition [security and food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) equity. The problem of nutrition insecurity is bigger than any one of us can tackle alone. But many people and organizations working together make a big difference. That difference is measured in the thousands of meals per day that we provide, and also in the strong systems that we co-create with local partners.
In the musical, Hamilton goes on to say “I wrote some notes in a great unfinished symphony/someone will sing for me.” Whether talking about a song or a garden, he reminds us that great work does not happen alone. Sometimes complicated problems outlast us. That’s why we must give future generations the tools and resources to continue the work. [I hope you will consider joining the many supporters who have made a bequest to Second Harvest in their estate plans.](https://www.freewill.com/secondharvestmadison)
Eva Wingren
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/evawshfbmadison-org/)
**Categories:** In The News
**Tags:** donate, donor, planned giving, will
---
### [Systemic racism fuels food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/)
**Published:** March 11, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** There’s a difficult fact we need to accept: more food will not end hunger in communities of color. Nutrition security and food equity can only be achieved by ending the widespread institutional racist practices that continue to go unaddressed.
**Content:**
*by Michelle Orge, President/Executive Director, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin*
There’s a difficult fact we need to accept: more food will not end hunger in communities of color. Nutrition security and food equity can only be achieved by ending the widespread institutional racist practices that continue to go unaddressed.
According to “[Identifying Racism in the Drivers of Food Insecurity](https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/race-food-insecurity),” a research report generated by [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/) – the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization – in southwestern Wisconsin, the food insecurity rate in the Black community is nearly four times higher than the white community. Similarly, the food insecurity rate in the Latinx community is three times higher than in the white community.
However, the roots of the current landscape of inequality and disproportionate levels of food insecurity run much deeper than the data. Systemic racism – the systems in place that create and maintain racial inequality in nearly every facet of life for people of color – has meant that people of color must work harder and navigate more barriers to achieve success.
Recently, a former presidential candidate said, “We’ve never been a racist country.” The persistent racial wealth gap caused by past and present discriminatory lending, hiring, and higher education admissions practices would indicate otherwise. Laws or policies like Jim Crow laws (that legalized segregation), the GI Bill (that excluded Black veterans from many of its benefits), and recent Voter ID laws (which disproportionally affect people of color) are additional examples of racism at the highest level that has spanned generations.
Additionally, food insecurity across all communities cannot be eliminated without a commitment to something more than a living wage…a thriving wage. According to the United Way’s ALICE report, Wisconsin’s minimum household income for a family of four to survive is over $63,000 per year, considerably higher than the widely used Federal Poverty Level of $26,500. However, to go from just surviving to being able to maintain a more financially stable household, that figure jumps to over $100,000 per year.
Food insecurity is not just about nutrition. It’s an economic issue.
As the largest [food bank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) in southwestern Wisconsin, Second Harvest has an essential role in addressing the root causes of hunger. We’re focusing on root causes by shifting the narrative from an individual problem to a systemic one. Reframing the narrative can help our community more clearly see that effectively [addressing the barriers to food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/) access is dependent on policy and structural change.
We’re also actively building and supporting a vibrant network of organizations and individuals with a comprehensive approach that strengthens their ability to provide complementary services like housing, job, and clothing assistance to their communities. The barriers to nutrition [security and food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) equity were not built in a day, and they will not be torn down in a day. But, acknowledging that truly ending hunger is only possible once the underlying social, historical, and economic conditions that lead to hunger have been addressed is an important first step.
*This post was first published as a [guest column](https://captimes.com/opinion/guest-columns/opinion-systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/article_f173612c-dc13-11ee-affd-57b760e8d0c1.html) in The Cap Times.*
[](https://captimes.com/opinion/guest-columns/opinion-systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/article_f173612c-dc13-11ee-affd-57b760e8d0c1.html)
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates, In The News, News, News & Insights
**Tags:** Root Causes of Hunger, systemic racism
---
### [SHF Holiday Closure - May 27](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/shf-holiday-closure-may-27/)
**Published:** May 7, 2024
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Content:**
**Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin (SHF) will be CLOSED Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.
The SHF offices & distribution center will be closed Monday, May 27th.
No pickups Monday, May 27th:**
• If your agency has a pickup order from the distribution center that would fall on this day – May 27th – you will need to reschedule to a different date through Agency Express via “Scheduler**.”
No deliveries Monday, May 27th**:
• If your agency has a delivery schedule that would fall on this day – May 27th – you will need to reschedule or cancel your order.
• Contact your Community Rep to request an alternative delivery date, or further discuss options. Date change requests need to be made as soon as possible, but no later than one week in advance to the new approved **delivery date.
Order Deadlines due to closure:**
• Orders must be received 3 business days PRIOR to your pick-up or delivery date. **Monday, May 27, does not count as a business day. Reminder, you can start your order 8 [calendar days](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/2024-30-ways-in-30-days-calendar/) in advance. Remember to SUBMIT your cart, and you can then edit later via “Order Options” –> “Order Management” PRIOR to the order deadline.**
• Reminder – you can start your order 8 calendar days in advance (ex. May 28th opens May 20th) **To receive your order on…**(place your order by…):
• Tuesday, May 28th -> Submit Wednesday, May 22nd @3pm
• Wednesday, May 29th -> Submit Thursday, May 23rd @3pm
• Thursday, May 30th -> Submit Friday, Friday, May 24th @3pm
• Friday, May 31st -> Submit Tuesday, May 28 @3pm (resuming normal ordering cadence)
Please reach out to your Community Representative with any questions.
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** closure, May 27, memorial day, Memorial Day Closure, Second Harvest Closure, Second Harvest Memorial Day, SHF closure
---
### [SHF Upcoming Closures - June 19, June 26 - July 1, July 4](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/shf-upcoming-closures-june-19-june-26-july-1-july-4/)
**Published:** May 16, 2024
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Content:**
**Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin will be CLOSED:**
- **Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth**
- **Thursday June 27th THROUGH Monday, July 1st for Audit and Inventory**
- **Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day**
**Our offices will be open Thurs 6/27-Mon 7/1, but out Distribution Center will be closed to all pick-ups and deliveries. Both our offices & our distribution center will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday July 4.**
**No pickups on Wed 6/19, Thurs 6/27, Fri 6/28, Mon 7/1, and Thurs 7/4**
If your agency has a pickup order from the distribution center that would fall on one of these days – June 19, 27, 28, or July 1 or 4 – you will need to reschedule to a different date through Agency Express via “Order Options” –> “Scheduler.”
**No deliveries on Thurs Wed 6/19, 6/27, Fri 6/28, Mon 7/1, and Thurs 7/4**
If your agency has a delivery schedule that would fall on one of these days – June 19, 27, 28, or July 1 or 4 – and would like to reschedule, contact your Community Rep to request an alternate delivery date or further discuss options. If your rep has already reached out to you regarding your delivery, no further action is needed. Date change requests need to be made as soon as possible, but no later than one week in advance to the new approved delivery date. To request a rescheduled delivery date, contact your Community Rep and complete the Delivery Request Form.
**Order Deadlines due to closure:**
Orders must be received 3 business days PRIOR to your pick-up or delivery date. **Wed 6/19, Thurs 6/27, Fri 6/28, Mon 7/1, and Thurs 7/4 do not count as business days. Reminder, you can start your order 8 [calendar days](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/2024-30-ways-in-30-days-calendar/) in advance. Remember to SUBMIT your cart, and you can then edit later via “Order Options” –> “Order Management” PRIOR to the order deadline.**
**To receive your order on… (place your order by…):** • Thursday, June 20th –> Submit Friday, June 14th @3pm
• Friday, June 21st –> Submit Monday, June 17th @3pm
• Monday, June 24th –> Submit Tuesday, June 18th @3pm
• Tuesday, June 25th –> Submit Thursday June 20th @3pm
• Tuesday, July 2 –> Submit by Wednesday, June 26 @3pm
• Wednesday, July 3 –> Submit by Thursday, June 27 @3pm
• Friday, July 5 –> Submit by Monday, July 1 @3pm
• Monday, July 8 –> Submit by Tuesday, July 2 @3pm
• Tuesday, July 9 –> Submit by Wednesday, July 3 @3pm
• Wednesday, July 10 –> Submit by Friday, July 5 @3pm
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** 6/19, closure, Independence Day, Inventory, July 4, Juneteenth, Second Harvest Closure, SHF closure, Upcoming closures Second Harvest
---
### [Adopt a Dairy Cow campaign kicks off during Dairy Month](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/adopt-a-dairy-cow-campaign-kicks-off-during-dairy-month/)
**Published:** June 7, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
By [Juliana Tornabene](https://www.wmtv15news.com/authors/Juliana.Tornabene%40nbc15.com/) and [Mackenzie Davis](https://www.wmtv15news.com/authors/mackenzie.davis/) of [WMTV](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2024/05/31/adopt-dairy-cow-campaign-kicks-off-during-dairy-month/)
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – With Dairy Month about to begin in Wisconsin, an initiative in southwestern Wisconsin aims to ensure those facing food insecurity have access to milk.
Adopt a Dairy Cow was created by Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to address the shortage of milk donations to the local pantry. The program has provided 300,000 gallons of milk to those facing nutrition insecurity in southwestern Wisconsin since launching a decade ago.
Milk is a top source for nutrients, and one of the most requested items by [food pantry partners](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/). However, it is also an item rarely donated because of the challenges in storing and distributing it.
“Milk is part of our core 20,” Second Harvest Food Donor Coordinator Jo Rabbach said. “It is something that we strive to always have available for our [partner agencies](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/agency-partners/) and the guests that rely on it who are facing hunger throughout southwestern Wisconsin.”
The first $65,000 will be matched this year, thanks to the Werndli Charitable Fund, Alliant Energy Foundation and other sponsors. Funds raised will go to support the purchase of thousands of gallons of milk, which will be distributed to [local food pantries and partners](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/walmart-bimbo-bakeries-usa-and-tyson-foods-partner-with-feeding-america-to-give-back-to-local-communities/) for free.
To participate, you can visit the campaign’s website and symbolically adopt a cow. You can then choose how many half-gallons of milk you’d like to provide. Once you donate, you will receive a copy of your official “adoption” certificate and a coupon for a free quart of ice cream from Sassy Cow Creamery.
“Our cows out here are happy to participate too,” Sassy Cow Creamery co-owner James Baerwolf said. “About a little over 50 of our cows, their full-time job is just making milk for the Second Harvest Campaign.”
The cows you can choose from this year are:
Princess- This girl is herd royalty! Princess is in charge (or at least she thinks she is).
Daisy- One of our sweetest cows, Daisy loves spending time out in the green pastures.
Sprinkle- Colorful and full of life, Sprinkle can bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Scoops- Nosey and mischievous, Scoops can never turn away from some “moos” on the farm!
Bessie- A bit sassy, Bessie can never get enough of our tasty fields.
Sunny- A bright light in the herd, it is hard to miss our girl Sunny.
Malt- Though she can sometimes find herself straying away from the herd, Malt loves to discover new places on the farm.
Harriet (Sponsored by the Werndli Charitable Fund) – Giving is in her nature! Harriet loves to show the new cows around when they first join the herd.
MoogaWatt (Sponsored by the Alliant Energy Foundation) – MoogaWatt is so full of energy, she can be seen strutting through the barns at all hours of the day!
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News
---
### [Harvest Snack Program Highlights](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/harvest-snack-program-highlights/)
**Published:** July 30, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Over the past 12 years, Second Harvest Foodbank’s Harvest Snack Program has provided nutritious foods to youth in Southern Wisconsin in collaboration with the United Way and Henry J. Predolin Foundation.
We are currently in partnership with 13 programs, many of them community centers, offering out-of-school time programming to young people within their neighborhoods and communities. At these sites, we project to distribute nearly 150,000 lbs. of nutritious foods in 2024.
The Harvest Snack program has been adapted regularly throughout the past few years in response to the continually evolving needs of community partners and the changing landscape of youth nutrition insecurity.
Some of the most recent transitions in the program include enhancing the ordering and reporting processes for partner ease and efficiency, providing access to a greater variety of produce options, and partnering with local distributor [R.E. Golden Produce](https://regoldenproduce.com/).
Within the past year, the Harvest Snack [program has expanded beyond offering produce and dairy products](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/it-makes-our-heart-happy-vendors-sell-excess-produce-to-second-harvest-foodbank-through-market-harvest-program/) to include any item available through R.E. Golden Produce. This pivot was in response to the community’s desire for more substantive snack options to offer young people after school.
Community partners now have access to items like dry beans, baking ingredients, spices, grains, etc., on top of the amazing produce and dairy options that are the bedrock of the program.
Additionally, in response to Second Harvest’s strategic pillar of equitable food distribution, the Harvest Snack program is now available to programs outside Dane County. This spring, we began a partnership with the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua, which provides free after-school and summer programming to youth in the Viroqua community.
In collaboration with community partners, Second Harvest will continue to expand and improve the Harvest Snack program for years to come.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, News & Insights, Nutrition
**Tags:** child food insecurity, child hunger, food insecurity, Harvest Snack, hunger
---
### [Final total revealed for 29th WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/final-total-revealed-for-29th-wmtv-share-your-holidays-campaign/)
**Published:** February 26, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
MADISON, Wis. ([WMTV](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2024/12/11/29th-annual-wmtv-share-your-holidays-phone-a-thon-sort-a-thon-happening-wednesday/)) – Thanks to generous donations from the community, we were able to meet our goal for the 29th annual WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign!
Our goal this year was $1.5 million, which was set because of the ever growing need at area food banks.
Donors absolutely knocked it out of the park on Wednesday, exceeding our goal. As of 10:15 p.m., $1,623,240 was raised to benefit Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
Phones opened at 6 a.m. and volunteers were busy taking calls until the end of our 10 p.m. newscast. Many of them wore festive accessories, which you may have noticed during our Mike’s Miracle Minutes.
President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Michelle Orge said these [donations will help our neighbors and put food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donations/) on their tables.
“This is the type of area, this is the type of community that takes care of folks in their community and it showed in this year’s Share Your Holidays,” Orge said. “It’s so heartwarming to be in a community that shows up.”
Also going on Wednesday at Alliant Energy Center was the Sort-A-Thon. During Sort-A-Thon, all of the [food donated](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donations/) during Food and Fund Drives goes to the Alliant Energy Center for quality checking and sorting. This is the largest volunteer and sorting event of the year for Second Harvest.
Since the beginning, the WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign has helped provide nearly 75 million meals throughout southern Wisconsin. This year, the need is greater than ever. Every $10 donated allows Second Harvest Food Bank to buy up to $24 in groceries.
Share Your Holidays started as a one-day [food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/july-all-city-swim-meet/) in a grocery store parking lot in 1996. It was then-anchor Mike McKinney’s passion that no one should experience what he did as a child, growing up hungry.
The Army National Guard has been a part of the Share Your Holidays campaign since the inaugural campaign. One of the co-founders of the campaign was Mike Hart, who was in the Army National Guard when he and McKinney started the campaign.
What began on that cold winter day 26 years has grown more than Mike McKinney, who died in 2006, may ever have dreamed. Blossoming from a campaign that found success in the thousands of meals in a year to one that, with your help, brings millions of meals to people in southern Wisconsin.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about Mike going into this,” said his mother, Barbara McKinney. “I’ve been thinking a lot about him today and the energy he would have had and just being in awe.”
Thank you to all who donated this year!
*Copyright 2024 WMTV. All rights reserved.*
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [APPLES 4 : Volunteer Resources & Community Engagement](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/apples-4-volunteer-resources-community-engagement/)
**Published:** October 18, 2022
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Content:**
Join us as we share best practices and tips for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers. This session was hosted by Cristina Johnson, our Director of Volunteer & Community Engagement, and Maggie Gleason, prior Executive Director at Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN).
This session includes methods used by volunteer services professionals, resources for use in your own programs, and an opportunity to engage with your fellow session attendees. Session content will include an introduction to:
– Strategies & resources for volunteer recruitment
– Tips for onboarding new volunteers
– Training considerations specific to [food pantries, meal sites, and food distribution programs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/machkabba-gardens-food-program/)
– Value of volunteers supervision & stewardship
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
---
### [Fuel vs food: These Americans are cutting back to afford higher gas prices](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/fuel-vs-food-these-americans-are-cutting-back-to-afford-higher-gas-prices/)
**Published:** March 25, 2026
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
[By Tami Luhby, CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/25/economy/gas-prices-americans-spending-cuts)
For Sarah Lawhun, the soaring price of gas means she’s eating one less meal a day.
A careful budgeter, Lawhun has spent nearly $70 more at the pump this month. She’s trying to offset the increase by skipping lunch at her job as an environmental scientist, saving her about $30 a week in homemade sandwiches and salads but leaving her feeling tired and hungry.
Compounding her stress are her fears that gas prices will remain elevated even after the US-Israeli war with Iran ends and will lead to higher food prices. She’s already cutting back on fresh vegetables and meats and shopping more at discount grocers to try to salvage her ability to save money and pay down medical debt.
“None of us needed gas prices to go up in addition to everything else,” said Lawhun, 31, who lives in a suburb of Albany, New York, and drives 50 miles roundtrip to work. “It’s really, really hard to get ahead.”
Lawhun is among the hundreds of people who wrote to CNN about the impact of higher gas prices on their household finances. Many said they are being forced to cut back on essentials, as well as on spending for trips, entertainment and other items that help fuel the economy.
The pain isn’t limited to those who were already struggling to make ends meet. Folks who consider themselves middle class and who say they have good jobs also told CNN they have to tighten their belts, especially after years of contending with high prices for food, utilities, housing and other essentials.
Nationwide, a gallon of gas cost an average of $3.98 on Wednesday, according to AAA. That’s up $1.01, or 34%, over the past month.
The Middle East conflict, which began at the end of February, has caused oil and gas prices to skyrocket after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world’s oil supply. But oil prices and gasoline prices fell significantly on Monday after President Donald Trump said the United States would postpone further strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Lawhun’s concerns are well founded. Once the conflict ends, the price of gas will likely ease by only 1 to 3 cents a day, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, a price comparison site. Meanwhile, the higher prices will seep into other products that need transporting, including food, experts say.
Cutting into income
For some people, particularly delivery drivers and those who spend a lot of time on the road for their jobs, the spike in gas prices means that they are earning less.
Mark Hernandez, an independent contractor who delivers for Walmart, gathered his receipts and ticked off the steady rise in prices at the Sam’s Club where he fills up: $2.45 a gallon on February 24; $3.08 on March 3; $3.35 on March 10; $3.69 on March 17 and $3.83 on March 20.
At the same time, the El Paso, Texas, resident has also seen his orders and tips drop since the war began, slashing his weekly earnings by several hundred dollars. The combination has led him to apply for other work, including as a lifeguard, to supplement his income. He’s also searching online for positions that don’t involve driving. His ideal would be a work-from-home job.
Meanwhile, he is filling the tank of his 2008 Dodge Charger several times a week to try to get ahead of the price increases.
“I know gas is going up every single day,” said Hernandez. 42, who checks the price online every morning. What gives him “the most fear is not knowing from day to day how much you’re going to pay at the pump.”
The gas price surge has also thrown family schedules into chaos, with parents having to pull back on activities with their kids to limit their driving.
Filling up the tank now costs Dexia Billingslea at least $15 more a week, which means she only uses her Kia Telluride to take her kids to school and to get to her job as a security guard. She’s had to stop taking her 3-year-old son to the park, where he loves the swings. The disruption has prompted her son, who has autism, to act out more.
Dexia Billingslea has stopped all non-essential driving to save money.
“I go exactly where I need to go, and I can’t go anywhere else,” said Billingslea, 35, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
Billingslea also couldn’t drive her 12-year-old daughter to her church group or take the family on a short road trip for spring break earlier this month. It hurts her that she’s disappointing them.
“I’m already trying my best,” she said. “I don’t want to let my kids down, telling them I can’t do something.”
Strict budgets
Some family obligations, however, can’t be postponed.
Patric DeStevens and his wife are driving 2,800 miles next week to their home in Vancouver, Washington, after caring for DeStevens’ terminally ill mother, who lived in York, Pennsylvania, and passed away in mid-March. They are setting a strict budget for food and lodging on the trip since they expect to pay $100 more for gas.
The gas price shock comes at a time when DeStevens took several weeks of unpaid family leave from his civil engineering job to care for his mother. Also, he and his siblings now have to pay for her funeral services, which he had not budgeted for.
Once he gets home, he’ll have to contend with higher gas prices at his local Costco. He’s been checking the store’s app and sees that price is now $4.79 a gallon, more than a dollar higher than when he left in late February – which he expects will cut into his ability to save and will add to his credit card debt.
“This is something that I was not anticipating to have to worry about,” DeStevens, 33, said of the price increase. “It’s very frustrating. I hate it.”
Mike Schentag didn’t anticipate that he would have to care about the cost of gas. He and his wife, Julia Renken, drive electric vehicles.
When Mike Schentag’s electric vehicle was in the shop this month, he had to drive a gas-powered rental car.
But, soon after the Middle East conflict began, he had to take his 2025 Rivian SUV to the shop to replace the suspension system, which took nearly two weeks. When he learned the rental car company only provided gas-powered vehicles, his first thought was, “Man, this is literally the worst time for this to happen.”
An engineer, Schentag tried to work more from home and use his wife’s EV for errands to minimize his use of the rental car, a Mazda 3. Still, he had to pump $52 worth of gas into it last week and another $53 on Wednesday before he returned it.
Jessamine Burch
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/jburch/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [APPLES 2: Sanitation](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/register-now-agency-partner-programs-learning-education-sessions-apples-sanitation/)
**Published:** March 31, 2022
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Excerpt:** Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions (APPLES): Sanitation
**Content:**
**Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions**
Join us for important information to promote food safety and protect the people you support as well as guidelines on sanitation and food handling & storage practices. This session is hosted by Scott Lyon, our wonderful Quality Assurance Manager.
We’ll also include an overview and details about:
- The Second Harvest Team behind Quality Assurance
- Foodborne Illness & Effects – Handling Food Safely: handwashing, food allergens, protective gear & attire
- Avoiding Food Contamination: types of contaminants/hazards, food storage practices, sanitizing, preparing food safely
- Each webinar will begin with a presentation or review of relevant information on the topic and be followed by a Q&A session to answer specific concerns and share best practices with each other.
[Follow along with the slide deck.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/APPLES-2_-Sanitation.pdf)
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
---
### [APPLES 3: Grants](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/apples-3-grants/)
**Published:** July 11, 2022
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Excerpt:** Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions (APPLES): Sanitation
**Content:**
**Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions**
Join us for a how-to session on successfully finding, applying, and reporting for grant funding. This session is hosted by Kate Hephner, Grants Specialist.
We’ll also include an overview and details about:
- Staying organized
- Best practices for grant writing and reporting
[Follow along with the slide deck.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/052522_APPLES_Grant-Writing-101.pdf)
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
---
### [APPLES 1: Food Dates](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/apples-1-food-dates/)
**Published:** March 11, 2022
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Excerpt:** Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions (APPLES): Sanitation
**Content:**
**Agency Partner & Programs Learning & Education Sessions**
Join us for important information to promote food safety and protect the people you support as well as guidelines on food dates, best-by dates, and extension practices. This session is hosted by Ian Steele, Food Resourcing Manager, Steve Rodriguez, Inventory Manager, and Scott Lyon, Quality Assurance Manager.
We’ll also include an overview and details about:
- The Second Harvest Team behind Quality Assurance
- Food resourcing 101
- Receiving and inventory best practices
- Quality assurance and food date guidelines
[Follow along with the slide deck.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/APPLES-1_-Food-Dates-Final-5.pdf)
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
---
### [New Resource Shows Local Hunger Data](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/new-resource-shows-local-hunger-data/)
**Published:** July 15, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin recently launched a new resource for hunger-related data in southwestern Wisconsin. The resource can be found at [SecondHarvestSW.org/HungerInfo](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-in-our-community/).
According to the data:
- The number of people considered food insecure in Second Harvest’s 16-county service area rose by 13%.
- Nearly 147,000 people, including almost 40,000 children, face hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- 1 in 9 people of all ages in southwestern Wisconsin are considered food insecure
- 1 in 7 children under 18 in southwestern Wisconsin are considered food insecure
- The average family of four considered food insecure in southwestern Wisconsin has a food budget shortfall of nearly $2,800 per year.
- Hunger disproportionally affects communities of color in southwestern Wisconsin:
- 1 in 3 people in the Black community are food insecure
- 1 in 4 people in the Hispanic community are food insecure
- 1 in 11 people in the White community are food insecure
“It’s critical that community members understand how widespread the need is throughout southwestern Wisconsin,” said Michelle Orge, Second Harvest’s President and Executive Director. “This new resource for sharing food insecurity data will be a valuable tool for us to use as we work to make sure everyone in our community has access to enough nutritious food to thrive.”
In addition to the combined data for the 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties supported by Second Harvest, individual county-level data are available for the following counties: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, LaFayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk, and Vernon.
Finally, the new resource identifies the amount of food Second Harvest and its network of food and resource providers infuse into each county to support the goal of nutrition security and food equity for everyone in southwestern Wisconsin. For more information, visit [SecondHarvestSW.org/HungerInfo](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-in-our-community/).
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin**
Since 1986, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin has been working with local hunger-relief agencies in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties. Through food distribution, promotion of outside food assistance programs, partnerships with healthcare providers and insurers, and raising awareness of hunger, we are making our vision of everyone in our community having enough nutritious food to thrive a reality. We are the largest hunger relief organization in southwestern Wisconsin, providing tens of millions of meals each year to those who need them. Every day, we prove that lives can be changed with food! For more information, visit [SecondHarvestSW.org](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/).
\# # #
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** Announcements, News, News & Insights
---
### [Badgers Give Back at Second Harvest](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/badgers-give-back-at-second-harvest/)
**Published:** July 11, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, a group of offensive linemen, tight ends, coaches, and staff from the University of Wisconsin football team set their pads and whistles aside and picked up cleaning supplies and paint brushes and sorted donated product to help Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin provide more food to area families facing hunger. 33 student-athletes, coaches, and staff volunteered at the nonprofit as part of the Badgers Give Back initiative. Half of the volunteers spent their time cleaning and painting an annex warehouse that will provide additional space for future food sorting projects, while the other half of the group focused on sorting, inspecting, and organizing shelf-stable product donations.
“The incredible student-athletes and coaches that volunteered with us proved that when we work together, a few hours of time can make a long-lasting impact in our community,” said Michelle Orge, president and executive director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “As a result of their efforts, we’ll be able to bring more food in and get it sorted and onto the tables of families right here in southwestern Wisconsin faster.”
“We’re here to give back to all the fans and the state for what they do for us as a program and for our guys as student-athletes,” said Offensive Line Coach AJ Blazek. “The best communities that I’ve been involved in over the years through athletics are the ones where everybody’s out to help each other. It’s something that inspires you inside.”
Each year, Second Harvest relies on the generosity of individuals and groups, like the one from the University of Wisconsin, to volunteer their time in support of the community. Annually, volunteers do 20% of all the work done on behalf of Second Harvest. To find out more about volunteering at Second Harvest, visit SecondHarvestSW.org/Volunteer.
P1033270P1033267P1033228P1033203P1033185P1033221P1033256P1033222 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** News, News & Insights
**Tags:** Badgers, Badgers Give Back, University of Wisconsin, UW Football, volunteer
---
### [Otto Bremer Trust makes 210 grants totaling $12.1 million](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/otto-bremer-trust-makes-210-grants-totaling-12-1-million/)
**Published:** February 22, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
*More than $2.1 million awarded to organizations in Wisconsin, including Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin*
**SAINT PAUL, June 30, 2021** — The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $12,125,516 in grants as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle.
As communities continue to feel the impact of the pandemic and economic uncertainty, these organizations are supporting basic needs, education and training, economic self-sufficiency, and other programs directed at helping the recovery,” said Brian Lipschultz, Co-CEO and Trustee, Otto Bremer Trust.
The Otto Bremer Trust is a bank holding company and a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn., that works at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is today one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations and is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. OBT is the majority owner of Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company; manages a diversified investment portfolio; and operates Community Benefit Financial Company, a financial resources subsidiary. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $841 million in people, places, and opportunities in the Upper Midwest. Visit [ottobremer.org](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.ottobremer.org%2Fe%2F890593%2F2021-06-30%2F2lx3sc%2F146938388%3Fh%3DxX6xzlf5AMSPVgsHtESqfcziIdbiK93r8d5IcRqUuDo&data=04%7C01%7C%7C55b1b930622f4517426408d93c03804f%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C637606808013991110%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=6h8%2BqoCUh79tewOmTaK5k2ElEGqCBJYK5DUgjIpXWb4%3D&reserved=0).
A list of grants awarded to organizations in Wisconsin is included below. For a complete list of grants awarded, see the [full release on our website](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.ottobremer.org%2Fe%2F890593%2Fnews-stories-2021-06-30-news-%2F2lx3sf%2F146938388%3Fh%3DxX6xzlf5AMSPVgsHtESqfcziIdbiK93r8d5IcRqUuDo&data=04%7C01%7C%7C55b1b930622f4517426408d93c03804f%7Cb1f9e34f11214c708f88aff49a1ef321%7C1%7C0%7C637606808014001105%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IwbqqzVW9BHrx%2BQk8F6voI9rUyrlDgYgzKGasViBjdU%3D&reserved=0).
Development Elevation
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/elevationweb/)
**Categories:** News, News & Insights
---
### [7/19/2024: Agency Express Update](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/7-19-2024-agency-express-update/)
**Published:** July 19, 2024
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Content:**
**07/19/2024 Agency Express is having issues. Shopping will be CLOSED while we resolve the problem**. We will continue to update the Partner Portal and Agency Express Website as we have more information. Please reach out to your Community Rep if you have any questions.
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Agency Express, Issues
---
### [7/22/2024: Second Harvest Systems Update](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/7-22-2024-second-harvest-systems-update/)
**Published:** July 22, 2024
**Author:** Pilar Estrada
**Content:**
Hello Partners,
As of 9:00 AM today (7/22/2024), our inventory system remains down. Feeding America continues to work on a resolution.
**For Tuesday** **fulfillment** we will be compiling these orders using many manual inventory systems, however, as the system remains down, we may need to ask you to make changes to your order or the delivery date.
**For Wednesday (and after as needed)**, depending on when the systems come back online, your Rep will provide you with details on how orders will be placed and managed.
We understand how much of an impact this system issue has on your organization and apologize for the challenges this causes.
Thank you for your continued patience,
Second Harvest – Partnerships & Programs
Pilar Estrada
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/pilare/)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Child Food Insecurity Rates On The Rise](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/child-food-insecurity-rates-on-the-rise/)
**Published:** July 30, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Recent data provided by Feeding America confirms a reality that food banks like Second Harvest and our local network of resource providers already knew based on the number of families seeking assistance every day: hunger is on the rise in southwestern Wisconsin. This unfortunate fact is particularly true for children under the age of 18 in our community.
As you can see in the chart below, the number of children considered food insecure has increased in every southwestern Wisconsin county supported by Second Harvest.
## Causes of child food insecurity
There are many reasons why kids might not have enough to eat. Some of the common reasons include:
- **Low family incomes:** Although parents and caregivers work hard to provide for their children, low wages make it difficult to have enough money to buy food.
- **Lack of affordable housing:** Despite budgeting and saving, the high cost of housing can make it difficult for families with children to afford food and rent.
- **Racism and discrimination:** Black people, Latinos, and Native Americans are more likely to face barriers to getting food.
## Effects of child hunger
Hunger can affect children’s health, development, and well-being. Some common effects include:
- **Poor academic performance:** Children who experience food insecurity may have trouble focusing and learning in school.
- **Increased health problems:** Kids who don’t get enough food to eat face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma.
- **Developmental differences:** Hunger can change how a child’s brain and body grow and affect their thinking, learning, and behavior.
To ensure that everyone in our community – young or old – has enough nutritious food to thrive, it will take a community effort. Join us with your gift of [funds](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-ChildFoodInsecurityPost), [time](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer/), and by helping us raise awareness of hunger in our community. Together, we can nourish and transform our community.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** News, News & Insights
**Tags:** child food insecurity
---
### [War-Torn, but Still Giving Back](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/war-torn-but-still-giving-back/)
**Published:** November 16, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** When asked why she volunteers with Second Harvest, Maryna said, “First of all, I like to help people. I like the friendly atmosphere here. I totally feel a connection. Our people need a lot of help, and I know this feeling, so I can feel that people here also need help with food.”
**Content:**
## War-Torn, but Still Giving Back
Kris Tazelaar
Support for Second Harvest comes in many forms, not the least of which is our amazing volunteers. 18-year-old Maryna Sahaida has become a regular volunteer with Second Harvest over the last few months. Maryna is a Ukrainian refugee who left after Russian forces invaded her country. She came to us to help people and honor her mom, dad, grandma, sister, and nephew that she had to leave behind.
Before February 24, Maryna lived in Ukraine with her mom and dad in the same village as her sister, nephew, and grandma. Before the war, “\[Ukraine was\] a very beautiful country. I’m sad that people didn’t really know about Ukraine before.”
Growing up in a tiny village, Maryna would spend her days helping grandma fill her root cellar with potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vegetables they had grown in grandma’s garden. That same root cellar would protect grandma from nearby falling bombs during the invasion.
By March 5, Maryna had traveled more than 5,000 miles to Madison, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, a lack of visas meant that her mother, grandma, sister, and nephew couldn’t join her. And men between 18-60 couldn’t leave, which meant her 50-year-old father could not join her either.
The route to safety included crossing the Ukrainian/Hungarian border and spending a few nights in a refugee camp, then going from Budapest to Munich, then Chicago, and finally to Madison to stay with a host family from Bethel Lutheran Church.
Maryna recalls leaving her family at the Ukrainian border. “It was really difficult, especially the first couple days in Madison. I would call my mom crying every day.” Even while her family was forced to migrate for a few months, Maryna has been able to call or text them most days, thanks to the internet.
Unfortunately, in addition to her grandma’s house, her sister’s apartment and most of the main streets in her hometown have been destroyed. “It was really hard watching the news. I don’t want to be in a depression, so I tried to avoid reading too much news. It’s very difficult.” When asked why she volunteers with Second Harvest, Maryna said, **“First of all, I like to help people. I like the friendly atmosphere here. I totally feel a connection. Our people need a lot of help, and I know this feeling, so I can feel that people here also need help with food.”**
While Maryna has no idea when she will be able to return home, she does know that she wants to continue helping people facing hard times. “I would like to find people who could do the same organization \[like Second Harvest\] in Ukraine so we could help people with food. \[I\] would like to be part of starting an organization like Second Harvest.”
When asked what she hopes for in the future, Maryna responds, “To have a good life without any wars. It’s the 21st century, and we still have wars? I just want people not to forget about Ukraine.”
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News
---
### [Help Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, May 11](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/help-stamp-out-hunger-on-saturday-may-11/)
**Published:** May 10, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
On Saturday, May 11, you can be part of the mission to end hunger in our area. Just fill a bag with healthy, non-perishable food items and place it by your mailbox for mail carriers to pick up.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [Second Harvest’s Farm To Foodbank Initiative Receives $50,000 From Compeer Financial](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvests-farm-to-foodbank-initiative-receives-50000-from-compeer-financial/)
**Published:** August 25, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Officials from Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and Compeer Financial announced today that the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is providing $50,000 to support the purchase of produce, dairy, eggs, and more from local farmers and food producers and distribution of the product to families struggling with hunger through Second Harvest’s Farm to Foodbank initiative.
**Content:**
**MADISON, WI, August 25, 2023** – Officials from Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and Compeer Financial announced today that the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is providing $50,000 to support the purchase of produce, dairy, eggs, and more from local farmers and food producers and distribution of the product to families struggling with hunger through Second Harvest’s [Farm to Foodbank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/f2f/) initiative.
“Everyone deserves access to the food that makes them feel part of the community,” said Michelle Orge, president & CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank. “Local, fresh produce should not be out of reach for anyone, and thanks to tremendous support from many different sources, including organizations like Compeer Financial, we’re able to put nourishing food on the tables of those facing hunger in our community while supporting our local economies at the same time.”
The goals of Farm to Foodbank are simple:
- Provide more nutritious food to those facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin
- Support local farmers and food producers
- Invest in the local economy
Launched by Federal pandemic-relief funds allocated by Dane County, Farm to Foodbank has provided tens of millions of pounds of locally sourced food into our community. Working with over 55 local farmers and food producers throughout southwestern Wisconsin, in 2022 alone, the initiative helped provide 3.8 million meals and generate more than $12 million in local economic activity.
The $50,000 from Compeer was allocated through Compeer’s MORE for Agriculture grant, which, now in its fifth year, supports innovative programs that encompass four qualities:
- **Mission:** Aligns with the **mission** of Compeer Financial, enriches agriculture and rural communities
- **Opportunity:** Provides a new **opportunity** for clients or future clients, fills a known void in agricultural and rural markets, is a new and innovative project
- **Replication:** Can be **replicated** by others to serve different geographic areas, with the ability for future collaboration
- **Evolution: Evolves** over time to create a better future for agriculture and rural America
As part of the grant process, the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America Trustees asked Compeer team members to identify programs and projects they believe create MORE for agriculture. In all, nearly $900,000 has been awarded to 20 organizations since 2019.
“It is an honor to join forces with these groups that are truly creating positive changes in their communities through groundbreaking projects,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “The recipients of the MORE for Agriculture grants are trailblazers and creative thinkers in the field of food and agriculture. Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin exemplifies this. We hope projects and programs like this will motivate others to contribute further toward ending hunger.”
The grant comes at a critical time for Second Harvest and its network of partner food providers like food pantries, meal sites, and shelters. In fiscal year 2023 – July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 – Second Harvest distributed 22.7 million pounds of food, more than any other fiscal year in its history. Recently, many of the food providers in the network have reported a 30%, 40%, and even 100% increase in the number of people seeking support.
**About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Since 1986, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin has been working with local hunger-relief agencies in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties. Through food distribution, promotion of outside food assistance programs, partnerships with healthcare providers and insurers, and raising awareness of hunger, we are making our vision of everyone in our community having enough nutritious food to thrive a reality. We are southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, providing tens of millions of meals each year to those who need them. Every day we prove that lives can be changed with food! For more information, visit [www.SecondHarvestSW.org](http://www.SecondHarvestSW.org).
**About Compeer Financial**
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $30.5 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. [Learn more](blank) about Compeer Financial.
**About the Fund for Rural America**
The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at [Compeer.com/giving-back](blank).
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Social Media Blitz, Shareable Graphics](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/social-media-blitz-shareable-graphics/)
**Published:** November 14, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Facebook-LinkedIn-Post-1.jpg)FacebookLinkedIn Post 1[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Facebook-LinkedIn-Post-2.jpg)FacebookLinkedIn Post 2[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Facebook-LinkedIn-Post-3.jpg)FacebookLinkedIn Post 3[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Post-1.jpg)Instagram Post 1[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Post-2.jpg)Instagram Post 2[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Post-3.jpg)Instagram Post 3[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Post-4.jpg)Instagram Post 4[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Post-5.jpg)Instagram Post 5[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Story-1.jpg)Instagram Story 1[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Story-2.jpg)Instagram Story 2[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Instagram-Story-3.jpg)Instagram Story 3[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Twitter-Post-1.jpg)Twitter Post 1[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Twitter-Post-2.jpg)Twitter Post 2[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Twitter-Post-3.jpg)Twitter Post 3 
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
---
### [Feed the Need: Metcalfe's Market Gives Back](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/metcalfes-coupon/)
**Published:** October 25, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## Feed the Need: Metcalfe’s Market Gives Back
We’re excited to announce that for the month of November we’re partnering with Metcalfe’s Market to provide holiday meals to our neighbors facing hunger and give you a discount! **Use this coupon to save 5% off your grocery purchases anytime, all month long.** And not only will you save – but at the end of the month, Metcalfe’s will donate 5% of all our neighborhood member purchases back to us.
Do you shop at Metcalfe’s Market?? Present this coupon at checkout throughout November to save 5% on groceries, and then Metcalfe’s will donate that 5% to Second Harvest Foodbank. Win-win!
It’s simple! Present this coupon (printed or on your phone) to save 5% on all your purchases in November and Metcalfe’s Market will donate another 5% to Second Harvest Foodbank, up to $1000. You can increase your donation at the register in $5 increments by asking your cashier for a NBC15 Share Your Holidays Scan Card.
Please ‘SHARE’ with friends and family to spread the word.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News, News, News & Insights
---
### [2022 Mike's Miracle Minute Sponsors](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2022-mikes-miracle-minute-sponsors/)
**Published:** December 13, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
NBC15 Share Your Holidays Mike’s Miracle Minute sponsors support matching opportunities throughout the Phone-A-Thon. Call 608-310-4574 or [click here](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/432002/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-121422-MMMblog) to make your donation now.
| 6:00 AM – Rural Mutual Insurance 6:40 AM – Wollersheim Winery |
|---|
| 7:25 AM – Becky, a longtime Madison Schools educator 7:55 AM – Exact Sciences |
| 8:27 AM – Clasen Quality Chocolate 8:57 AM – The Norman Fletchall Team at RBC Wealth Management |
| 9:58 AM – Dental Health Associates of Madison (Gold Campaign Sponsor) |
| 10:26 AM – Burger Night Out |
| 11:00 AM – Temple Beth El 11:20 AM – Upper Iowa University Madison Center 11:58 AM – First Weber Foundation |
| 12:22 PM – Werndli Charitable Trust 12:58 PM – Messiah Lutheran Church Senior Adult Ministry |
| 1:18 PM – JX Gives Back Family Foundation 1:58 PM – Hupy and Abraham, S.C |
| 2:58 PM – L & L Foods, Inc. |
| |
| 4:02 PM – TDS 4:15 PM – OfficeSupply.com 4:40 PM – Chase Bank |
| 5:00 PM – Madison Partners 5:20 PM – Capitol Bank |
| 6:01 PM – Colonel Robert N. Morse Foundation 6:15 PM – Connect Search LLC 6:58 PM – Spherion Staffing |
| 7:44 PM – Navitus Health Solutions |
| |
| 9:00 PM – Dean Health Plan & Medica (Diamond Campaign Sponsors) 9:45 PM – UW Health (Presenting Campaign Sponsor) |
| 10:01 PM – Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and Pam Widen |
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
---
### [Trying New Things at Horizon High School](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/trying-new-things-at-horizon-high-school/)
**Published:** November 14, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Excerpt:** Through an innovative Second Harvest program, once a week, Second Harvest staff members - Brian and Kylie from Youth and Family Initiatives and Jordyn from Health Programs - go to Horizon to spend time with the Horizon students and help them learn an important life skill - how to cook. One student said,” Most of us already knew how to cut up vegetables, but they show us how to put things together to make it into a meal.”
**Content:**
## Trying New Things at Horizon High School
Katie Sabalones
“Most of us are here because of drugs and mental health,” was the response I got from one student when I asked what brought them to Horizon. Many of the students at this school are teens who have experienced addiction and understand that mental health is critical to recovery and staying sober. At Horizon, they can be in a supported space of learning at their own pace in a small group setting. Various life experiences and creative approaches lead to learning everyday skills.
Through an innovative Second Harvest program, once a week, Second Harvest staff members – Brian and Kylie from Youth and Family Initiatives and Jordyn from Health Programs – go to Horizon to spend time with the Horizon students and help them learn an important life skill – how to cook. One student said,” Most of us already knew how to cut up vegetables, but they show us how to put things together to make it into a meal.”
One of the students I sat with said,”My favorite day was when we made those shrimp tacos, I am not a big fish person, but I loaded mine up with shrimp.” Another student excitedly jumped in, ”My favorite day was when we made burgers and fries from scratch.” Why is this important? Many of the students have a diet consisting of heavily processed and prepackaged foods. The program is getting these kids to try new things and be excited about learning. This experience shows them how to make simple, healthier, and delicious meals. It invites them to explore their own identities through food, teamwork, and creativity.
Admittedly, sometimes there are recipes they don’t love – ”One time we made beet cupcakes, that was SO bad.” To which the rest of the students adamantly agreed. But exploration isn’t always about getting it “just right”, it’s about discovery, creativity, and participation.
When I asked about whether or not they will take these skills with them after high school, they all were quick to respond, “for sure,” “absolutely,” “yes!”
---
## Bob, Teacher at Horizon High School
Horizon has a small team of staff; Bob is one of the main educators of all academic subjects. Many of his students are coming in with difficult backgrounds and high anxiety. Along with our support of the pantry program at the school, our team is helping Horizon with out-of-the-box curriculum solutions. Life Skills is a portion of the day when students are put into situations that allow them to develop knowledge of daily skills, like cooking. Even though Bob focuses largely on academics, he knows it is good for them to just have fun competing for who can make the best pasta from scratch. He laughs about a recent memory when a student who was trying spinach for the first time in their life. With time and the support of enriching programs like ours, he has been able to build trust with his students and has watched them grow emotionally, academically, and socially.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** In The News
---
### [Volunteer Department Commitment to Anti-discrimination & Anti-racism ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-department-commitment-to-anti-discrimination-anti-racism/)
**Published:** July 1, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
*Second Harvest Foodbank is committed to creating a volunteer community where everyone feels safe and welcomed. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to cultivating an anti-racist environment for volunteers, staff, and community members.*
**What is racism?** Racism equals race-based prejudice plus power for example economic or social power. It can be conscious or unconscious and occurs at the individual, institutional and structural levels. (**Interpersonal racism:** Prejudgment, bias, or discrimination by a White individual toward a person of color.)
**What is discrimination?** Unequal treatment of members of various groups, based on conscious or unconscious prejudice, which favors one group over others on differences of race gender, economic class, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, language, age, national identity, religion, and other categories.
**Anti-racist practices in the volunteer department:**
1. We welcome everyone and celebrate identity and difference. We practice affirming language.
2. We commit regular time to reflect on our actions, practices, and structures. We are intentional about professional learning opportunities to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion both individually and departmentally.
3. We focus on the impact of our words and actions, not intent. We believe our BIPOC volunteers, staff, and community members when they say something is racist, and we work to repair harm.
4. We call out racism when we see it.
Kris Tazelaar
[See Full Bio](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/author/krist/)
**Categories:** EDI Accountability Updates
---
## Pages
### [Homepage](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/)
**Published:** December 17, 2021
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Nourish First
Our vision is that everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
[Donate](?campaign=843149)
## Nutritious food belongs to us all
As a food bank, Second Harvest is a network leader that finds strength by participating, hope by listening, and connection by sharing with our community.
 ### We Provide Access to Food
To need support is to be human. Finding it can make life easier.
[Find Food ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
 ### We Rely on Volunteers
The steady contributions of volunteers make our work possible.
[Become a Volunteer ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/)
 ### We Partner with Agencies
We provide food and resources to local agencies making a difference in our communities.
[Become a Partner](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/)
## IMPACT
### We’re making a difference
Since 1986, Second Harvest has provided nearly 286 million meals to the communities we support.
26.3 Million
pounds of food distributed in fiscal year 2025
300 +
partner agencies and programs supported
76 %
of the food we distribute is nutrient-rich, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and milk
26.3 Million
pounds of food distributed in fiscal year 2025
300 +
partner agencies and programs supported
76 %
of the food we distribute is nutrient-rich, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and milk
“I get eggs, milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables… Getting this food means the world to me.”
– Nyx, Guest
“First of all, I like to help people. I like the friendly atmosphere here. I totally feel a connection. Our people need a lot of help, and I know this feeling, so I can feel that people here also need help with food.”
– Maryna, Volunteer
“I love the Second Harvest pantry, and it helps a lot. The workers are good to get along with and very understanding. And they’re good items that you receive. It makes things a lot easier!”
– Kristin, Guest
“I don’t know what they would do if they didn’t get this food. It would be a lot harder for me and a lot of people.”
– Sandy, Guest
## Your gift goes further
Every $20 you give provides up to 5 bags of groceries to our neighbors facing food insecurity.
[Donate](?campaign=843149)
Get Involved## Other ways to help
Let’s face it, ending hunger is a big job, and it’s going to take all of us working together. Will you join us to help end hunger?
[Get Involved](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/get-involved/)
### Join us on Social Media
Learn, share, and engage with us on [Facebook,](https://www.facebook.com/secondharvestsw) [Instagram,](https://www.instagram.com/secondharvestsw/) [LinkedIn.](https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-harvest-foodbank-of-southern-wisconsin/)
[ 
### Host a Fund or Food Drive
Fund and food drives, whether in-person or virtual, all benefit our community.
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/campaigns-and-events-for-nutrition-security/) [ 
### Advocate
Join Feeding Wisconsin to help end hunger in Wisconsin.
](https://www.feedingwi.org/publicpolicy/)
---
### [Be Like Mike Nomination](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/syh/be-like-mike-nomination/)
**Published:** August 27, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
A few things about the nominations:
- **Who are we looking for?** Someone who epitomizes the spirit of the Share Your Holidays campaign. It can be a Second Harvest volunteer, a partner agency volunteer, a partner agency coordinator, or anyone you can think of who is passionate about our work and helping those in our community who are food insecure.
- These are INTERNAL nominations. Please do not send this form to an agency or anyone outside of Second Harvest to fill out.
- Please nominate someone who you not only feel deserves the recognition but ***would also be comfortable being on camera***!
- The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 2nd at noon.
- After the nomination deadline, members of the MarCom and Development teams will evaluate the nominees and come up with our top 2 or 3 to present to WMTV for the final selection.
- We do not want the award winners to know they have been nominated or have won prior to NBC15 doing the interview/story.
We look forward to seeing all your amazing nominees!
## Be Like Mike Nomination Form
Nominee Name(Required) First Last
Enter the first and last name of the person you would like considered for a Be Like Mike award.
How is this nominee connected with Second Harvest?
Are they a partner/agency Coordinator, volunteer, etc. Be sure to include the partner/agency name.
Describe why this nominee should be considered for a Be Like Mike award.
Nominee Phone #
Nominee Email
Your Name(Required) First Last
Your Phone #(Required)
Your Email
Submit
---
### [All-City Swim and Dive: Food & Fund Drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/july-all-city-swim-meet/)
**Published:** May 26, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/fund-drive-all-city-swim-and-dive-2026/c791694)
## Local Pools Supporting Food Access
Each summer, 13 Madison-area swim & dive teams compete to strengthen our community with access to nutritious food. This is a fun way for them to team-build through fundraising and food collection, and gain volunteer experience that gives back to our community. Since 2008, the league has provided more than 2 million meals with their combined efforts!
Fundraising
The All-City Swim and Dive teams are raising funds for their selected food providers who are partnered with Second Harvest! To give to your pool’s fundraiser, simply find and click on their logo below!
Food Drives
Teams are working hard to collect nonperishable items for our community. Food will come to Second Harvest and be inspected for quality before making its way out to food providers!
Volunteerism
Swimmers, Divers, and their families are volunteering their time at our distribution center and at our partner agencies throughout the summer to support our neighbors experiencing hunger.
## Support your pool’s fundraiser!
Find your pool and click on the logo to donate now!
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/goodman-2026 "Goodman")GoodmanPartnering with Bayview Foundation
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/team/831633 "Hawks Landing")Hawks LandingPartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/high-point-2026 "High Point")High PointPartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/hill-farm-2026 "Hill Farm")Hill FarmPartnering with the Ronald McDonald House
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/team/832269 "Maple Bluff")Maple BluffPartnering with The River Food Pantry
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/middleton-2026 "Middleton")MiddletonPartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/monona-2026 "Monona")MononaPartnering with St. Stephens Food Pantry
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/nakoma-2026 "Nakoma")NakomaPartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/parkcrest-2026 "Parkcrest")ParkcrestPartnering with Lussier Community Education Center
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/ridgewood-2026 "Ridgewood")RidgewoodPartnering with Good Shepherd Lutheran
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/seminole-2026 "Seminole")SeminolePartnering with Badger Prairie Needs Network
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/shorewood-hills-2026 "Shorewood")ShorewoodPartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/west-side-2026 "West Side")West SidePartnering with Second Harvest Foodbank
---
### [Volunteer Information: WMTV Share Your Holidays Grand Finale](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-information-nbc15-share-your-holidays-grand-finale/)
**Published:** October 17, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
#### WMTV Share Your Holidays Grand Finale
Volunteer Information
This page is for volunteers registered to support our annual WMTV 15 News Share Your Holidays Grand Finale on Wednesday, December 16th.
Below is information about our two volunteer opportunities:
#### General Event Details
- **Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your shift to check-in.**
- **How to cancel:** Email [volunteers@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:volunteers@shfbmadison.org) or call 608-216-7214 with shift cancellations.
- At this time, masks are optional for volunteers. Any potential changes to this policy will be sent in the final communication for the event. \*A small supply of masks will be available if needed.
---
#### Sort-A-Thon at Alliant Energy Center
- **Location Details:** Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison (between Rimrock & John Nolen). All volunteers will check in outside of Hall D.
- **Event Hours:** Shifts between 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
- **Volunteer Activity Details:**
- Volunteer opportunity to help check and sort all donated food through our Fund & Food Drives. Sort, inspect, and pack the [food that has been donated](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/large-corporate-food-donations/). Food items need to be well inspected and packed efficiently.
- This is a standing volunteer opportunity, so make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and clothes to move around in!
- **Age:** 12 and older (Adult supervision required for ages 12-15)
- **Dress:** Casual, comfortable layers. No open-toed shoes.
- **Training:** You’ll receive training at the start of your shift.
---
#### Phone-A-Thon at Alliant Energy Center
- **Location Details:** Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison (between Rimrock & John Nolen). All volunteers will check in outside of Hall D.
- **Event Hours:** Shifts available from 5:30 am – 10:30 pm
- **Volunteer Activity Details:**
- Volunteer opportunity to help us accept donations over the phone.
- Wonderful donors will call in during the WMTV live broadcasts to donate funds and help us reach our fundraising goal!
- **Age:** 18 and older
- **Dress:** Volunteers from sponsor businesses may wear branded clothing. Dress festive & plan to be seen on TV.
- **Training:** You’ll receive training at the start of your shift.
---
**Photo Release**
As a volunteer during WMTV Share Your Holidays Grand Finale Sort-A-Thon & Phone-A-Thon, you may have your photo taken and used for promotional purposes.
Due to the level of activity and photo opportunities throughout the day, we cannot commit resources to ensure our photographer doesn’t take photos of certain individuals.
Please see our full photo release [here](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Photo-Release-Form.pdf).
---
### [Our Team](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-team/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Our Team
 Read More
### Michelle Orge (she/her/hers)
President & Executive Director
 Read More
### Tracey Caradine (she/her/hers)
Vice President of Employee Engagement & Equity
 Read More
### Jeff Thompson (he/him/his)
Vice President of Finance
 Read More
### Cadre Mandy (he/him/his)
Vice President of Operations
 Read More
### Tanya Andersen Buckingham (she/her/hers)
Vice President of Advancement
 Read More
### Elissa Pollack (she/her/hers)
Director of Development
 Read More
### Ted Jun (he/him/his)
Director of Marketing and Communications
 Read More
### Cristina Johnson (she/her/hers)
Director of Volunteer & Community Engagement
 Read More
### Jon Freson (he/him/his)
Director of Operations
 Read More
### Ceri Jenkins (she/her/hers)
Director of Partnerships and Community Impact
 Read More
### Hema Sai Ari
Director of Optimization, Analytics, and IT
 Read More
### Ian Steele
Director of Supply Chain
X 
President & Executive Director
### Michelle Orge (she/her/hers)
[(608) 216-7232](tel:608.216.7232) \| <michelle.orge@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-orge-profile/)
X 
Vice President of Employee Engagement & Equity
### Tracey Caradine (she/her/hers)
[(608) 333-0098](tel:608-333-0098) \| <tracey.caradine@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-caradine-4580b2281/)
X 
Vice President of Finance
### Jeff Thompson (he/him/his)
[(608) 216-7215](tel:608-216-7215) \| <jeff.thompson@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-thompson-cpa-6059154/)
X 
Vice President of Operations
### Cadre Mandy (he/him/his)
[(608) 333-0540](tel:(608)%20333-0540) \| <cadre.mandy@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadre-mandy-82627a212/)
X 
Vice President of Advancement
### Tanya Andersen Buckingham (she/her/hers)
<Tanya.Buckingham@secondharvestsw.org>
X 
Director of Development
### Elissa Pollack (she/her/hers)
[(608) 333-0095](http://+1.608.333.0095) \| <elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissa-sard-pollack/)
X 
Director of Marketing and Communications
### Ted Jun (he/him/his)
[(608) 216-7552 ](tel:608-216-7218)\| <ted.jun@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-jun/)
X 
Director of Volunteer & Community Engagement
### Cristina Johnson (she/her/hers)
[(608) 216-7554](tel:608.216.7554) \| <cristina.johnson@secondharvestsw.org>
X 
Director of Operations
### Jon Freson (he/him/his)
[(608) 216-7209](tel:608.216.7209) \| <jon.freson@secondharvestsw.org>
X 
Director of Partnerships and Community Impact
### Ceri Jenkins (she/her/hers)
[(608) 216-7207](tel:608.216.7207) \| <ceri.jenkins@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-j-madison/)
X 
Director of Optimization, Analytics, and IT
### Hema Sai Ari
<hema.ari@secondharvestsw.org>
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemasaiari/)
X 
Director of Supply Chain
### Ian Steele
[608-216-7241](tel:608.216.7241) \| <ian.steele@secondharvestsw.org>
## Media Contact
 **Kris Tazelaar**
Media and Public Relations Manager
[608-216-7206](tel:608-216-7206) [ kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org)
## Our Board of Directors
 Read More
### Jenny Campbell (she/her/hers)
Chairperson
 Read More
### Jessie Stauffacher (she/her/hers)
Vice Chairperson
 Read More
### Beth Dettman (she/her/hers)
Treasurer
 Read More
### Kelliann Blazek (she/her/hers)
Secretary
 Read More
### Ellen Carlson (she/her/hers)
Board Member
 Read More
### David de Leon (he/him/his)
Board Member
 Read More
### Valerie Chesnik (she/her/hers)
Board Member
 Read More
### Sverre Roang
Board Member
 Read More
### Rick Searer (he/him/his)
Board Member
 Read More
### Jeff Johnson (he/him/his)
Board Member
 Read More
### Brian Hagen
Board Member
 Read More
### Nishant Upadhyay (he/him/his)
Board Member
X 
Chairperson
### Jenny Campbell (she/her/hers)
Formerly of WEDC
X 
Vice Chairperson
### Jessie Stauffacher (she/her/hers)
Property & Casualty Insurance Professional
X 
Treasurer
### Beth Dettman (she/her/hers)
Chief Financial Officer – M3 *Insurance*
X 
Secretary
### Kelliann Blazek (she/her/hers)
Former Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture and Rural Policy
X 
Board Member
### Ellen Carlson (she/her/hers)
President and CEO – *WayForward Resources*
X 
Board Member
### David de Leon (he/him/his)
Retired – *Alliant Energy*
X 
Board Member
### Valerie Chesnik (she/her/hers)
Director of Development – *Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association, College of Engineering*
X 
Board Member
### Sverre Roang
Husch Blackwell – *Managing Director*
X 
Board Member
### Rick Searer (he/him/his)
Strategy & Governance Advisor (Retired)
X 
Board Member
### Jeff Johnson (he/him/his)
Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Group – *Potawatomi Ventures*
X 
Board Member
### Brian Hagen
Senior Vice President & Director of Commercial Real Estate Banking – *First Business Bank*
X 
Board Member
### Nishant Upadhyay (he/him/his)
Vice President, Data & Analytics – *UW Credit Union*
---
### [WMTV Share Your Holidays](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/syh/)
**Published:** September 8, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
 Read More
### Campaign Kick-Off!
Monday, November 9
 Read More
### Request-a-thon
Thursday, November 12
 Read More
### Share Your Story
November 16-20
 Read More
### Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 1
 Read More
### Phone-A-Thon & Sort-A-Thon
Wednesday, December 16
 Read More
### Campaign Reveal
Wednesday, December 16
X 
Monday, November 9
### Campaign Kick-Off!
Tune into the [WMTV15 News Morning Show](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/10/31/wmtv-share-your-holidays-campaign-celebrates-30-years-giving/) as we roll out hundreds of food donation barrels with [Two Men and a Truck](https://twomenandatruck.com/).
X 
Thursday, November 12
### Request-a-thon
Thursday, November 12th is this year’s 105.5 WMMM Request-a-thon! From 6 AM – 6 PM, the phone lines will be open for your song requests. A gift of $40 gets you a song request that 105.5 will air – call in to support Second Harvest and share your favorite tunes on the Madison airwaves!
X 
November 16-20
### Share Your Story
Between November 16-20, [upload a holiday picture](https://www.wmtv15news.com/page/share-your-story/). For each of the story submissions, Chase Brieman CBRE will make a donation to Second Harvest. Yours may even be featured on WMTV 15 News!
X 
Tuesday, December 1
### Giving Tuesday
\#GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Thanks to our friends at the Werndli Charitable Fund, UW Health, and Rural Mutual Insurance, **every gift will be matched up to $25,000.** Click [here](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/740261/donate?c_src=GivingTuesday2025&c_src2=GivingTuesday2025_Web_Link) to double your impact today and donate anytime before December 2.
X 
Wednesday, December 16
### Phone-A-Thon & Sort-A-Thon
**Phone-A-Thon**
Coming to you LIVE from Alliant Energy Center, we need your support in meeting our match goal! Phones will open at 6:00 am and we won’t stop taking your calls until 10:30 pm!
---
**Sort-A-Thon**
All of the food that the community brought together during Fund and Food Drives will go to the Alliant Energy Center for quality checking and sorting. This is the largest volunteer and sorting event of the year for Second Harvest!
X 
Wednesday, December 16
### Campaign Reveal
Tune into WMTV 15 News at 10 p.m. as we thank the community for their support and reveal if we met our goal!
### Find a Share Your Holidays Barrel!
Use the interactive map below to find food drive barrel locations near you. All donated food will be carefully checked and sorted by our amazing volunteers during the Sort-A-Thon on December 10!
### For more information about this campaign, please contact:
 **David Heinrich**
he \| him \| his
[(608) 216-7205](tel:(608)%20216-7205) [ david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org)
# 2025 Be Like Mike Recipient
Named after campaign founders Mike McKinney and Mike Hart, “Be Like Mike” recognizes those who epitomize the true spirit of the WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign.
### Lea Aschkenase
Lea received a ‘Be Like Mike’ award for her dedication to help feed students and their families in the community. She was inspired by her mother, who after surviving the Holocaust, made it her mission to make sure no one went hungry.
[ Watch Her Story ](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/11/03/be-like-mike-award-winner-honors-holocaust-survivor-mothers-mission-feed-hungry/)
### Burger Night Out
For 20 years, Burger Night Out has turned a simple tradition—great burgers, cold beer, and good friends—into real community impact. This year, they earned a Be Like Mike Award for contributing over $25,000 to Second Harvest over two decades.
[ Watch Their Story ](https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/12/02/burger-night-out-group-receives-be-like-mike-award-second-harvest-contributions/)
---
#### THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS
---
### [Careers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/careers/)
**Published:** July 19, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
### Join Our Team!
**Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. We are looking for passionate, community-focused individuals whose voices and lived experience can help us elevate our vision by providing access and removing barriers for those who we support.**
At Second Harvest, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We believe that embracing different perspectives strengthens our mission and enhances our impact in the community. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equitable access to employment opportunities across all roles.
As an organization that supports all communities, the Second Harvest team strives to embody our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our work. We regularly explore EDI topics to learn together and discuss how we show up for each other and in the community. Successful candidates should be open to embarking on or continuing their personal and professional EDI journeys with us.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Our hiring team will review all applications carefully and will contact those whose qualifications best align with the role. Second Harvest is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process. If you are a qualified individual and need assistance applying online, please reach out to us at [HR@SecondHarvestSW.org](mailto:HR@secondharvestsw.org).
## Current Opportunities
[  CDL A or B Driver Help transport food across our 16 county service area!
Apply Here!
](https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4530743)
[  Admin Assistant – PCI Support the Partnership and Community Impact department, mobile pantries, and partners!
Apply Here!
](https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4564000)
---
### **Our Application Process**
We are committed to equity and inclusion in our hiring process. We know that inclusion is the foundation upon which we must build to achieve a workplace in which each employee experiences belonging.
1. Open positions are posted on this page, Indeed, and a variety of other job boards, as well as sent to the Dane County Office for Equity & Inclusion. Job postings reflect the description, pay range, and application deadline.
2. Once the position closes, the HR Department will assess candidate qualifications, then score qualified candidates based on criteria agreed-upon by HR and the hiring manager. The scores will be utilized to select candidates to be interviewed. The selected candidates will be contacted by the HR Department for interviews, which may be conducted in person or remotely based on the role.
3. Most positions will have two rounds of interviews, using the first round to narrow the field of candidates to our finalists. A scoring rubric is used to rate question answers to ensure the highest level of consistency and equity in the process.
4. Once interviews have concluded, the interview panel will discuss candidates and make decisions/offers based on interview performance and experience. Any candidates who are not selected are then communicated with by the HR Department.
### **Benefits We Offer**
We are proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families. We are committed to providing our employees the opportunity to be the best version of themselves, both inside and outside of work.
- Health Insurance (we pay 90% of the premium)
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off starting at 23 Days per year
- 15 Paid Holidays per year
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with a 5% match
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Section 125/Flexible Spending Plan
- Paid Family Leave
- Transition Pay
- Tuition Reimbursement
For a complete benefit list, please refer to [this document](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Benefits-Summary-6.2024.pdf).
Our Values
### Inclusion . Equity . Innovation . Humility . Trust . Integrity
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/091422_ValuesOneSheeter_NewBrand_Revised.pdf)
### How we work together.
Our values and core behaviors serve as a collective agreement that we uphold and embody in all interactions — internally with colleagues and externally with partners and the community.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HWWT_Doc_2025_Final.pdf)
### Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to our mission.
As an organization that spans 16 counties and partners with over 300 food providers, we continue to grow our understanding and shift our actions to be more equitable, center diversity and community voice, and embrace inclusion. We are working towards becoming better listeners, learners, and collaborators.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/)
“My favorite part about working at Second Harvest is all of the people I get to work with and being a part of something that has a real impact on my community.”
Jeff Gaffney, Volunteer Program Manager
“I’m so inspired by the passion and dedication I see in people who work so hard to feed the community. I love being surrounded by creative people, both my amazing co workers and the people who work at our partner agencies, who go out of their way to make sure no one is hungry.”
Joanne Marquez, Community Representative
“I love being a part of a team that is so supportive of eachother as well as our communities!”
Julia Wiebe, Community Voice Coordinator
The work we do here at Second Harvest motivates and inspires me everyday to work hard. The connection to the community brings me great positive energy to be able to stay consistant and intentional with our work. The team around me has the same passion, which helps push our goals forward together.
Jackson Sabalones, Internal Logistics Manager
### Interested in learning more about our directors and executive team?
[ Meet our Team ](/our-team)
#### Total Rewards Philosophy & Strategy
We value our employees and believe investing in our team strengthens our mission. Our compensation program is designed to support, recognize, and reward employees while promoting fairness and helping our team thrive.
[ Learn More ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t9uTcf4mGqHDvsOKZ-qT2UxGHZtdab7yUy-DL7WiwW4/edit?usp=sharing)
#### How We Work Together
To better understand our expectations for behaviors in the workplace, a handful of our teammates from a variety of departments developed the How We Work Together document. This helps guide difficult conversations, new ideas, and even day-to-day interactions.
[ Check it out ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/How-we-work-together-poster.pdf)
---
### [End Zone to End Hunger With Jeff Janis](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/campaigns-and-events-for-nutrition-security/end-zone-to-end-hunger-with-jeff-janis/)
**Published:** October 5, 2026
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
##### In honor of the longest-running and most historic rivalry in professional football, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is taking on Northern Illinois Food Bank in the first-ever End Zone to End Hunger Challenge before the October 11 clash between Green Bay and Chicago. It’s a friendly fundraising battle!
[HELP US SCORE NOW!](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/850334/donate?utm_source=landingpage&utm_medium=webpage&utm_campaign=end_zone_to_end_hunger)
Join our friend, Jeff Janis, calling on Green Bay fans across southwestern Wisconsin to show our friends to the South what happens when our community gets behind a cause.
---
### [Fund Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/fund-drive-marketing-toolkit/)
**Published:** March 14, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
### Promotion and planning is key to hitting your fundraising goal.
So we’ve created usable content to help! From printables to social media assets, we’ve got you covered! You will have the most success with participation by using a combination of digital, printed, written, and verbal communication.
1. Establish a plan for promoting your fund drive to maintain engagement.
2. Use the content below to elevate your message and build awareness.
### Talking Points
Build your message to your team with the below information!
**About Second Harvest Foodbank**
- **Mission:** Second Harvest Foodbank exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- **Vision:** Everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
- **Values:** Inclusion, Equity, Innovation, Humility, Trust, and Integrity.
- **Counties Supported:** Our 16-county service area includes Adams County, Columbia County, Crawford County, Dane County, Dodge County, Grant County, Green County, Iowa County, Jefferson County, Juneau County, LaFayette County, Monroe County, Richland County, Rock County, Sauk County, Vernon County. For a map of our service area, [click here](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf).
**Hunger Facts**
- Hunger is a reality for 1 in 8 people in southwestern Wisconsin, including 1 in 7 children.
- Nearly 170,000 people are food insecure in southwestern Wisconsin, of those, over 50,000 are children.
- Each month, over 55,000 visits are made by local families to food pantries, mobile pantries, and school markets.
**Impact On Our Community**
- Last year, Second Harvest distributed 26.3 million pounds of food.
- 60 % of the food we distribute is nutrient-rich, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, eggs, and milk.
- Second Harvest helps provide the equivalent of 60,123 meals a day.
- Since 1986, Second Harvest has helped provide over 286 million meals.
---
#### Logo Package
[ Download ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-of-Southern-Wisconsin-Logo-Kit.zip)
---
#### Posters
1. Download these posters.
2. Open in Adobe Acrobat or similar PDF editing software.
3. Use the image box to insert a QR Code to your fund drive page.
4. Print and post throughout your space to drive engagement!
[  Lives Can Be Changed With Food
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fund-Drive-Posters_02.pdf)
[  To Need Support is Human
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fund-Drive-Posters_01.pdf)
[  Fund Donation Calculation
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fund-Drive-Posters_03.pdf)
[  Hunger Stats
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fund-Drive-Posters_04.pdf)
---
#### Social Media Graphics
##### Facebook and LinkedIn
1. Click to view image
2. Right click and save image
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Facebook-LinkedIn-funddrive-post-1.png "Facebook LinkedIn Post")
##### Instagram
1. Click to view image
2. Right click and save image
**Posts**
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Instagram-funddrive-post-1.png "Instagram Post")
**Stories**
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Instagram-funddrive-story-1.png "Instagram Story")
#### Have questions or looking for something different?
Connect with us!
 **David Heinrich**
Community Giving Coordinator
[(608) 216-7205](tel:(608)%20216-7205) [ david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Food Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-drive-marketing-toolkit/)
**Published:** March 21, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
### Informational and promotional tools will help your food drive be a success!
From educational printables to social media assets, we’ve got you covered! You will have the most success with participation by using a combination of digital, printed, written, and verbal communication.
1. Establish a plan for promoting your food drive to maintain engagement.
2. Use the content below to elevate your message and build awareness.
### Talking Points
Build your message to your team with the below information!
**About Second Harvest Foodbank**
- **Mission:** Second Harvest Foodbank exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- **Vision:** Everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
- **Values:** Inclusion, Equity, Innovation, Humility, Trust, and Integrity.
- **Counties Supported:** Our 16-county service area includes Adams County, Columbia County, Crawford County, Dane County, Dodge County, Grant County, Green County, Iowa County, Jefferson County, Juneau County, LaFayette County, Monroe County, Richland County, Rock County, Sauk County, Vernon County. For a map of our service area, [click here](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf).
**Hunger Facts**
- Hunger is a reality for 1 in 8 people in southwestern Wisconsin, including 1 in 7 children.
- Nearly 170,000 people are food insecure in southwestern Wisconsin, of those, over 50,000 are children.
- Each month, over 55,000 visits are made by local families to food pantries, mobile pantries, and school markets.
**Impact on community**
- Last year, Second Harvest distributed 26.3 million pounds of food.
- 60 % of the food we distribute is nutrient-rich, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, eggs, and milk.
- Second Harvest helps provide the equivalent of 60,123 meals a day.
- Since 1986, Second Harvest has helped provide over 286 million meals.
---
#### Logo Package
[ Download ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-of-Southern-Wisconsin-Logo-Kit.zip)
---
Posters
- Download these posters.
- Open in Adobe Acrobat or similar PDF editing software.
- Use the placeholder to insert a QR Code to your fund drive page.
- Print and post throughout your space to drive engagement!
[  Most Needed Donations (English)
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Most_Needed_Items_En.pdf)
[  Most Needed Donations (Spanish)
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Most_Needed_Items_Esp.pdf)
---
#### Social Media Graphics
##### Facebook and LinkedIn
1. Click to view image
2. Right click and save image
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Facebook-LinkedIn-Food-Drive-1.png "Facebook LinkedIn-Food Drive 1")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Facebook-LinkedIn-Food-Drive-2.png "Facebook LinkedIn-Food Drive 2")
##### Instagram
1. Click to view image
2. Right click and save image
**Posts**
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Instagram-Food-Drive-1.png "Instagram-Food Drive 1")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Instagram-Food-Drive-2-title.png "Instagram-Food Drive 2-title")
**Stories**
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Instagram-Food-Drive-1-story.png "Instagram-Food Drive 1-story")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Instagram-Food-Drive-2-story.png "Instagram-Food Drive 2-story")
#### Have questions or looking for something different?
Connect with us!
 **David Heinrich**
Community Giving Coordinator
[(608) 216-7205](tel:(608)%20216-7205) [ david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Youth & Family Initiatives](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/youth-and-family-initiatives/)
**Published:** March 29, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Food For Thought School Market Program
Second Harvest partners with schools to create in-school pantries for youth and their families. Market program designs vary based on the community’s needs and the school’s location and capacity. The resources provided are available for all students and staff to utilize during normal school hours. With the name “Food For Thought School Market Program,” we continue a grassroots legacy in honor of Holocaust survivor and anti-hunger activist Thea Aschkenase, who volunteered extensively in schools to educate and feed students.
In addition to donations that impact our [general operating fund](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-donate-interiorpage), we welcome gifts that directly support the [Thea Aschkenase Endowment](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/345260/#!/donation/checkout).
## Thea’s Table
Through Thea’s Table, students and families in unstable or temporary housing situations are supported with several days of meals. We curate a variety of foods to best match the need for portability and access to a kitchen. Since its founding in 2016, over 100,000 meals have been provided to local families.
## Harvest Snack Program
The [Harvest Snack](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/harvest-snack-program-highlights/) Program connects after-school programs across Dane County with fresh produce and dairy to be used as snacks and supplemental ingredients in meals. Second Harvest operates this program in partnership with R.E. Golden Produce and the Henry J. Predolin Foundation Grant through the United Way.
### Connect with our Youth and Family Team!
 **Angel Cuezzi** he \| him \| his
Youth & Family Initiatives Coordinator
[608.216.7550](tel:608.216.7550) [ angel.cuezzi@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:angel.cuezzi@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Partnerships & Community Impact](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Hunger Relief Programs in Southwestern Wisconsin
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin collects tens of millions of pounds of food each year, which is then distributed to neighbors facing hunger across southern Wisconsin through our network of hunger-relief partners and programs. On this page, we outline some of the key ways we are able to provide food to our community.
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin participates in TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), a federal funded food program administered through the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. [Click here to learn more.](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/nutrition/tefap/index.htm)
[Meet Our Partnerships & Community Impact Team](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/031226_CombinedServiceMap.pdf)
## Agency Partners
Second Harvest distributes food to a committed network of over 300 community partners such as food pantries, residential programs, meal sites, community centers, schools, healthcare organizations, and youth sites in 16 counties throughout Southwestern Wisconsin.
[Become a Partner Agency](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/)
## Mobile Food Pantry Program
Second Harvest launched the Mobile Pantry program to strategically supplement local food resources, food pantries, shelters, and meal sites. Mobile Pantries operate on a scheduled, recurring basis in coordination with a local community partner.
[Mobile Pantry Schedule](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/)
## Community Cooks Program
Second Harvest partners with community members across our 16 counties to support culturally meaningful cooking classes and demonstrations. This program is in its pilot phase, taking place at current [youth program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/goodman-community-center-youth-program/) sites. This provides an opportunity for folx – particularly those with historically marginalized identities – that are passionate about cooking to share their unique experiences, skills, and knowledge around food while providing resources directly to community.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/introducing-community-cooks/)
## Youth and Family Initiatives
Second Harvest coordinates a variety of youth programs including in-school food pantries, backpack programs, and snack and meal programs.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/youth-and-family-initiatives/)
## Connect with us!
 **Ceri Jenkins**
Director of Partnerships and Community Impact
[608.216.7207](tel:608.216.7207) [ ceri.jenkins@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:ceri.jenkins@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-action-month/)
**Published:** August 3, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
#### When we all work together, we can end hunger.
Hunger Action Month is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against hunger. Join us this September, where every action ― big or small ― is one step closer to ending hunger.
We believe *everyone* deserves enough nutritious food to thrive. With access to nutritious foods, we can all reach our full potential. Take action today and help make Hunger Action Month a powerful force for change!
105.5 Request-A-Thon*
**Thursday, September 24th**
**\*Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Request-a-Thon scheduled for 9/24 has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.**
If you’d still like to make a donation today, your gift will have an immediate impact. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We’ll share the new Request-a-Thon date as soon as it is confirmed!
Go Orange for Hunger Action Day!
**Tuesday, September 29th**
Join us for Hunger Action Day! Wear orange, take a photo, and submit it to [WMTV 15 News](http://www.WMTV15News.com/Orange) where you may even be featured in one of their newscasts! Plus, help us reach our one-day goal; ***each*** of the first 500 pictures posted can provide up to $100 in groceries for our neighbors, thanks to the [Alliant Energy Foundation](https://www.alliantenergy.com/foundation).
#### Here at Second Harvest, we believe daily actions can help end hunger.
This September, we invite you to bring your friends, family, and team together in the name of food security.
Follow our **30 Ways in 30 Days** calendar for daily actions you can take to ensure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive!
[Download Our Calendar!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-30-Ways-in-30-Days-Calendar_FINAL.pdf)
## Explore the action of the day!
[](https://www.olbrichbiergarten.com/ "2026_Web_Tiles-01")
[](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/834939/donate?c_src=website&c_src2=flashmatch_calendar_tile&utm_medium=calendar_tile&utm_campaign=hunger_action_2026&utm_content=3x "2026_Web_Tiles-02")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/corporate-giving/#employer-matches "2026_Web_Tiles-07")
[](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm "2026_Web_Tiles-08")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Most_Needed_Items_En.pdf "2026_Web_Tiles-12")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-drive-marketing-toolkit/ "2026_Web_Tiles-13")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/ "2026_Web_Tiles-14")
[](https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers "2026_Web_Tiles-16")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/the-inside-scoop-newsletter/ "2026_Web_Tiles-17")
[](//youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=secondharvestfoodbanksw&autoplay=0&controls=1&enablejsapi=1&modestbranding=1&origin=https://www.secondharvestsw.org&rel=0&showinfo=1&version=3&wmode=transparent "2026_Web_Tiles-18")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodrescue/ "2026_Web_Tiles-21")
[](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/ "2026_Web_Tiles-22")
[](https://feedingwi.org/ "2026_Web_Tiles-25")
[](https://www.workingdraftbeer.com/events "2026_Web_Tiles-27")
[](https://www.wmtv15news.com/orange/ "2026_Web_Tiles-29")
## Nutritious food belongs to us all.
Thousands of families across southwestern Wisconsin rely on Second Harvest and our network of local food providers to make ends meet every month. Your support is one of the most effective ways you can help nourish our community.
[Donate Now](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/797733/donate)
---
#### THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS & PARTNERS
---
### [FoodShare (SNAP)](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
 Example of Wisconsin’s Quest Card for FoodShare
## What is FoodShare?
You may have heard of food stamps. EBT, or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In Wisconsin, we call the program FoodShare. The goal of this program is to end hunger.
Eligibility is determined by a variety of factors including the income and expenses of a household. *To find out if you may be eligible for FoodShare, you can:*
- Call the toll-free FoodShare Helpline at [1-877-366-3635](tel:1.877.366.3635)
- Submit an application online through [Wisconsin Department of Health Services](https://access.wi.gov/s/account-creation?language=en_US&landingPage=afb)
You can also visit [GetAQuestCard.org](http://GetAQuestCard.org) to learn more about eligibility requirements, or call the FoodShare Helpline at [1-877-366-3635](tel:1-877-366-3635).
---
### [The Inside SCOOP Newsletter](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/the-inside-scoop-newsletter/)
**Published:** February 22, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
#### Why subscribe?
Because exciting things are always happening—and we want you in the loop! Our quarterly newsletter keeps you up to date on what’s going on now, shares a bit of history, and gives you a preview of what’s coming next.
[Subscribe](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/)
1. **Participant and partner stories** This is a great place to get to know the real people in our community who are making a difference or working through food insecurity.
2. **Events & Campaigns** Each event & campaign is a little different. Our newsletter is the perfect resource to discover what each entails and how you can participate.
3. **Hear from our CEO** Our CEO will give you a quarterly update and insight on how our organization is doing.
## The latest Inside SCOOP’s
[  Fall 2026 - It’s About Community: Evansville Care Closet Food Pantry
- The Power of Food Rescue
- Surplus to Sustenance
- Hunger Action Month
Read now!
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/August_FallSCOOP_2026REV.pdf)
[  Summer 2026 - Farmers & Food Banks
- Journey of a Can
- Adopt a Dairy Cow
- Culturally Responsive Food
Read now!
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/May_SummerSCOOP_2026_FINAL.pdf)
[  Spring 2026 - Annual Report
- Community First During The Shutdown
- Messiah Lutheran Brings Joy Through Service
Read now!
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026_February_SpringSCOOP_Final.pdf)
---
### [Volunteer with Us!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/)
**Published:** June 11, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Second Harvest Foodbank!
Join the region’s largest hunger relief organization in working toward a resilient, food secure community. Whether you are looking for individual, youth, corporate, or group volunteer opportunities, your time can make a direct impact right here in our community. Last year, volunteers donated 37,332 hours of service, representing a value of more than $1.2 million—thank you!
**Explore our volunteer opportunities below and become part of a community committed to ending hunger!**
## Ways to Volunteer
 [ Read More ](#t-food-sorting-repack)### [ Food Sorting & Repack ](#t-food-sorting-repack)
 [ Read More ](#t-skill-based-volunteering)### [ Skill-Based Volunteering ](#t-skill-based-volunteering)
 [ Read More ](#t-group-volunteering)### [ Group Volunteering ](#t-group-volunteering)
 [ Read More ](#t-youth-volunteering)### [ Youth Volunteering ](#t-youth-volunteering)
Food Sorting & Repack
Volunteers help sort, label, and repack food into family-friendly portions for neighbors across our 16-county service area. Tasks may include sorting fresh produce, labelling frozen pizza, or dividing 1,000 pounds of potatoes into easy-to-use 5-pound bags. Our volunteer projects are safe, well-organized, and led by our friendly and knowledgeable staff. No experience necessary!
[Click here to sign-up!](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/need/detail/?need_id=1196677)
Skill-Based Volunteering
Unique, ongoing volunteer needs, such as data entry, language translation, delivery drivers, maintenance and supporting the donation desk.
[Click here to learn more!](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/need/)
Group Volunteering
Scheduling for corporate teams, community organizations, and other groups in our daily food sorting and repacking shifts.
[Click here to learn more!](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/group-volunteering/)
Youth Volunteering
Opportunities for students, families, and young community members ages 12-18 (with adult chaperones).
[Click here to learn more!](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/youth-volunteering/)
## Frequently Asked Questions
##### What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 12 years or older, and volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their shift. For every 5 youth, 1 adult should plan to volunteer with the group. To ensure safety, this policy is not flexible.
##### How do I cancel my volunteer shift?
Please cancel or update your volunteer reservation as early as possible. This gives other volunteers time to fill the spot and helps ensure we can get food out to our neighbors who are relying on us!
- **If you are a group leader,** please make group cancellations or adjustments in the [volunteer portal](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/) at least **1 week** before the shift. (Please note: Each group member must register and join the group 7 days before the event. Any unregistered spots at that point will be released and made available for public sign-up.)
- **If you are an individual volunteer**, please cancel your reservation in the [volunteer portal](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/) at least **48 hours** in advance.
Here’s how to cancel your shift using the Volunteer Portal:
- - Log in to your account
- Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner
- Choose **OPPORTUNITY RESPONSES** from the list, you will be brought to your volunteer shift reservation(s)
- Under the **OPTIONS** column, Click on **SELECT AN ACTION** next to the shift you want to change
- Select **UNREGISTER**, then click **YES** to confirm
##### How do I prepare for my Food Sorting & Repack volunteer shift?
Download and print our [Preparing for Your Volunteer Shift at Second Harvest Foodbank document](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Preparing-For-Your-Volunteer-Shift-v.2026.pdf) to keep our reminders handy!
##### Do you approve court-ordered volunteer hours?
- Yes, we are happy to verify hours for court-ordered service as long as you use the check in/out kiosk during your volunteer shifts. You can learn more and sign up for a volunteer shift [**here.**](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/need/detail/?need_id=1196677)
- If you need hour verification, please reach out to <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org> after completing the hours needed. Please note that hour verifications can take up to 5 business days to complete.
##### Can you confirm service hours?
Yes, most service hours can be verified by accessing your personal volunteer snapshot, which shows your volunteer role, hours history, and more. Hours submitted via the Volunteer Portal will not be approved if it is not for a remote volunteer role.
Access your hours by following these steps:
- - - Log in to [your account](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/)
- Click on your initials in the top right-hand corner
- Choose **MY PROFILE** from the list
- Under your name, click on **VOLUNTEER SNAPSHOT**
- You can edit the time range by editing the **START** and **END**
- Click on **GO** – this will download a PDF of the snapshot to your browser
- You can save or print this PDF!
If you need additional verification, contact <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org> after completing the hours needed.
Please note that hour verifications can take up to 5 business days to complete.
##### Can I bring my friend to a shift if they didn’t sign up?
You can check to see if there are any last-minute openings and invite a friend to sign up by viewing [shifts here!](https://volunteer.secondharvestsw.org/need/detail/?need_id=1196677) All volunteers must have a Second Harvest Volunteer Portal account and complete the required waiver.
Please note: Anyone under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian complete a youth waiver.
##### Do you offer presentations or learning opportunities for groups?
Our team loves deepening your volunteer experience through learning and reflection. We have limited capacity to offer mini presentations before or after your shift. Contact us at <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org> or give us a call at 608-216-7214 to learn more!
##### What internship opportunities are available?
[Community Voice Intern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Community-Voice-Intern-Fall-2026.pdf) **(ROLE FILLED)** – The role will support administrative and outreach efforts related to community voice initiatives. Responsibilities include data entry, survey administration, materials development, and other duties as assigned.
[Partnerships & Community Impact Intern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Partnerships-Communtiy-Impact-Intern-Communciations-Fall-2026.pdf) **(ROLE FILLED)** – This role will support communication and engagement efforts with our network of almost 300 partners across our 16-county service area. Responsibilities include working within Salesforce system (data entry and cleaning); researching and developing trends in food banking and food banking best practices content to be shared with our partners; supporting basic data analysis of partner surveys; and other administrative duties as assigned.
## Resources
##### Deepen Your Volunteer Experience
- **We at Second Harvest encourage you to reflect on your experience and use the resources below to further your connection to the community:**
- - [Connecting the Cause](https://www.connectingthecause.com/)
- [Morgridge Center for Public Service: Community Engagement Preparation Resources](https://morgridge.wisc.edu/students-get-connected/community-engagement-preparation-resources/)
- [TED Talk: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them](https://www.ted.com/talks/verna_myers_how_to_overcome_our_biases_walk_boldly_toward_them?language=en)
- [University of Memphis’ Comparison Between Asset and Deficit Based Approaches](https://www.memphis.edu/ess/module4/page3.php)
- **Educate yourself and others about food insecurity and food systems.**
- **Food insecurity is a complex issue that isn’t always easy to solve. We’ve linked some resources to help you learn more and reflect on the ways our communities can tackle hunger:**
- - [Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap](https://map.feedingamerica.org/)
- [Feeding Wisconsin’s State of Hunger](https://www.feedingwi.org/hunger/state_of_hunger.php)
- [Hunger Stats](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hungers-impact/hunger-stats)
- **Support community through other pathways to service:**
- - Second Harvest recognizes that the opportunity to volunteer is not available to everyone in our community. We also thank those that choose to help end food insecurity by means of community organizing, advocacy, philanthropy, voting, and self-education.
-
##### Volunteer Portal “How-To” Instructions & Videos
Explore our library of easy-to-follow handouts and videos designed to help you get the most out of the SHF volunteer portal. The portal is your go-to place for finding volunteer opportunities, signing up to help, and tracking your involvement as anGroup volunteering offers corporate teams, community organizations, and other groups a meaningful way to give back together. SHF volunteer.
- [How To Schedule & Cancel an Individual Volunteer Shift](https://secondharvestmadison-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/briella_mcnett_secondharvestsw_org/IQBcS5XHNN66S7U63R67absKAbKgMjc2OttxgXrirDmXpw0?e=Ju3vim&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D) (Video)
- [How To Schedule a Group Volunteer Shift](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PDF-How-to-Reserve-a-Group-Volunteer-Shift.pdf) (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)
- [How To Schedule a Youth Group Volunteer Shift](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PDF-Youth-Group-Volunteering.pdf) (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)
- [How to Manage Your Group](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PDF-How-to-Manage-Your-Group-or-Join-a-Group.pdf) (Step-By-Step Instructions & Video)
### Sign Up for a Volunteer Orientation & Tour
New or prospective volunteers are invited to attend!
[Sign up today!](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084BA8A72BAAF49-volunteer#/)
## Connect With Us!
Still have questions or unsure where to start? Contact Brie McNett, our Volunteer Services Coordinator, or [sign up for a volunteer orientation and tour!](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084BA8A72BAAF49-volunteer#/)
 **Brie McNett**
she/her/hers
Volunteer Services Coordinator
[608-216-7214](tel:608-216-7214) [ volunteers@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:volunteers@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Corporate Partnership](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/corporate-giving/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Join our mission to end hunger!
**At Second Harvest, we know ending hunger takes all of us.** Businesses and foundations like yours play a vital role in creating lasting change and helping ensure our neighbors have the food they need to thrive.
Whether you’re interested in supporting food access programs, sponsoring events, engaging employees through volunteer opportunities, hosting a food drive, or launching a fundraising campaign, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact.
Fill out the form below to connect with our team. We’ll learn more about your goals, explore partnership opportunities, and help you find the best way to support our mission. Together, we can strengthen our community and help ensure everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
Name First Last
Company Name
Email
Phone
My organization is interested in: Campaigns, Events & Drives
Sponsorships
Institutional Grants
In-kind Donations
Workplace Giving/Matching Gifts
Volunteering
Submit
It means a ton to the employees that take part in our efforts to support Second Harvest. They really get to live out the value of caring for others. They feel, ‘ok, this is a small thing that I can do to help,’ but how the families respond is so humbling, and we’re grateful to get to be a part of that.
Julie Bauer, Executive Director (retired), Alliant Energy
### Have questions about how your business can make an impact?
[Contact our team!](mailto:corporate.giving@secondharvestsw.org)
## Employer Matches
Many employers offer matching gift [programs to encourage their employees to support](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-receives-50000-grant-from-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-foundation-to-support-hungercare-wellness-program/) charitable causes such as hunger relief. An employer may match your gift or volunteer time dollar for dollar – and sometimes by much more. It can be easy to double or even triple the value of your donation to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin with a matching gift!
[Matching Gift](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/matching-gift-basics/) and [Volunteer Grant](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/volunteer-grant-basics/) information provided by
[](https://doublethedonation.com)
### FAQ: Employer Matches
The information below answers commonly asked questions about matching gifts. For additional information, contact the Donor Relations Team at [608-216-7202](tel:608-216-7202).
##### How do I find out if my employer offers a matching gift program?
Look for your employer’s name on the “Double the Donation” search feature above. Don’t see it? Ask your human resources department if they offer a matching gift benefit. (And if they don’t offer it at present, you might want to ask them to consider doing so).
##### How do I apply for a matching gift?
If you used the “Double the Donation” search feature above, look for an email from Double The Donation with instructions.
Otherwise, you can check with your human resources department for instructions. They may ask you to complete a paper form or apply online. Or, they may have a payroll deduction program with matching so you can “set it and forget it.” Most applications only ask for your name, address, and details about your gift — it’s simple!
##### Where do I send my matching gift form?
Please complete the form and send it along with your gift to:
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
2802 Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
Second Harvest Foodbank completes its portion of the form and returns it to your employer, who in turn sends in the matching gift donation.
##### What if I’m retired?
Many businesses offer this benefit to their retirees as well. Just ask.
##### What if I made a donation recently but didn’t apply for a matching gift at the time?
Many employers will still match your gift after the fact. Check with them about their requirements.
---
### [Hunger in Our Community](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-in-our-community/)
**Published:** June 4, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### To address food insecurity, we must first understand it from a community-level.
Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States, including the 16 counties in southwestern Wisconsin supported by Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
The term “food insecurity” is used to describe a lack of access to enough food at a household level, and it is often linked to multiple factors that lead to food insecurity, also known as [root causes](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/). The term “hunger” generally refers to a feeling of physical discomfort caused by a lack of food at an individual level. It’s common that these terms are interchanged but used to convey the same intent.
Regardless of how you describe it, when someone doesn’t have access to enough nutritious food, they are unable to live their lives to their fullest potential. This data provides a glimpse at how many families struggle with food access in southwestern Wisconsin.
---
## HUNGER IN SOUTHWESTERN WISCONSIN
Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. But hunger doesn’t affect everyone the same—some groups like children, communities of color, rural communities, women, and people with disabilities face hunger at a much higher rate. In our 16-county service area:
169310
people are considered food insecure
50840
children are considered food insecure
-$ 2864
annual food budget shortfall for a family of four
169310
people are considered food insecure
50840
children are considered food insecure
-$ 2864
annual food budget shortfall for a family of four
---
## Hunger in our 16 counties
At Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, we believe that everyone deserves access to enough nutritious food to thrive. Every day— along with our network of local food providers— we work to support nutrition security and food equity for everyone in southwestern Wisconsin.
By leveraging this data, we can make more informed decisions and take meaningful action toward our mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
[Download our service area-wide fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-SHF.pdf)
## Explore hunger data in your county
Click on a county to explore unique hunger statistics. Then, download the county-specific fact sheet to which contains hunger data and how we’re working to address it.
 Read More
### Explore data in Adams County
 Read More
### Explore data in Columbia County
 Read More
### Explore data in Crawford County
 Read More
### Explore data in Dane County
 Read More
### Explore data in Dodge County
 Read More
### Explore data in Grant County
 Read More
### Explore data in Green County
 Read More
### Explore data in Iowa County
 Read More
### Explore data in Jefferson County
 Read More
### Explore data in Juneau County
 Read More
### Explore data in Lafayette County
 Read More
### Explore data in Monroe County
 Read More
### Explore data in Richland County
 Read More
### Explore data in Rock County
 Read More
### Explore data in Sauk County
 Read More
### Explore data in Vernon County
X 
### Explore data in Adams County
[See the full Adams County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-ADAMS.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Columbia County
[See the full Columbia County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-COLUMBIA.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Crawford County
[See the full Crawford County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-CRAWFORD.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Dane County
[See the full Dane County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-DANE.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Dodge County
[See the full Dodge County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-DODGE.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Grant County
[See the full Grant County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-GRANT.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Green County
[See the full Green County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-GREEN.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Iowa County
[See the full Iowa County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-IOWA.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Jefferson County
[See the full Jefferson County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-JEFFERSON.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Juneau County
[See the full Juneau County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-JUNEAU.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Lafayette County
[See the full Lafayette County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-LAFAYETTE.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Monroe County
[See the full Monroe County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-MONROE.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Richland County
[See the full Richland County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-RICHLAND.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Rock County
[See the full Rock County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-ROCK.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Sauk County
[See the full Sauk County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-SAUK.pdf)
X 
### Explore data in Vernon County
[See the full Vernon County hunger fact sheet.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-MMG-One-Sheeters-VERNON.pdf)
**About This Data**
Every year, Feeding America conducts the Map the Meal Gap study to learn more about [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/we-have-to-make-sure-that-were-partners-instead-of-observers-gov-tony-evers-continues-his-fight-against-food-insecurity-in-wisconsin/) at the local level. To accurately estimate the number of [people who may be food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/peoples-church-agape-food-pantry/) insecure in every county and congressional district, Map the Meal Gap uses publicly available state and local data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics on factors that research has shown to contribute to [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/). [Visit Feeding America’s comprehensive Map the Meal Gap resource. ](https://map.feedingamerica.org/)
---
## Connect With Us!
Have questions about this data or want to learn more about our mission to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin? Contact Kris Tazelaar, our Media and Public Relations Manager.
 **Kris Tazelaar**
Media and Public Relations Manager
[608-216-7206](tel:608-216-7206) [ kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Mobile Pantry Volunteer Opportunities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-volunteer-opportunities/)
**Published:** June 11, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
## About mobile pantry distributions
- Mobile pantry distributions provide direct access to communities in Second Harvest’s 16-county service area that are limited on local resources and grocers.
- During a mobile pantry distribution, you will direct traffic and/or load food into neighbor’s vehicles.
- Volunteer shifts are outside and require long periods of standing. Volunteers should be able to lift approx. 35 lbs.
##### Current volunteer needs:
**Second Harvest Allied Dunn Marsh Mobile Pantry**
**Where**: 4619 Jenewein Rd.
**When**: 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, starting at 3 p.m.
**To get involved, contact:** Lori Peppard, Community Rep: <lori.peppard@secondharvestsw.org>
**Rimrock Route Mobile Food Pantry**
- Highland Manor Storm Shelter, 10 Manor Drive, 10:30 to 11:00 am
- Seven Oaks Apartments, 1108 Moorland Rd, 11:30 to Noon
- Southdale Park , 200 Deer Valley Rd, 12:30 to 1:30 pm
**When**: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
**To get involved, contact:** Lori Peppard, Community Rep: <lori.peppard@secondharvestsw.org>
**Beloit Mobile Food Pantry
Where:** Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 749 Bluff St. **When:** Every 2nd Wednesday and 4th Tuesday of the month from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM **To get involved, contact:** Mo Willoh, Community Rep: <maureen.willoh@secondharvestsw.org>
---
### [Media Resources](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/media-resources/)
**Published:** March 31, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
#### **Media Kit & Messaging Materials**
[ Logo Package ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-of-Southern-Wisconsin-Logo-Kit.zip) [ Service Area Map ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHF-Service-Area-Map.pdf) [ Images for Media Use ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Media-Images.zip)
### Talking Points
- **Mission:** Second Harvest Foodbank exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- **Vision:** Everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
- **Values:** Inclusion, Equity, Innovation, Humility, Trust, and Integrity.
- **Counties Supported:** Our 16-county service area includes Adams County, Columbia County, Crawford County, Dane County, Dodge County, Grant County, Green County, Iowa County, Jefferson County, Juneau County, LaFayette County, Monroe County, Richland County, Rock County, Sauk County, Vernon County. For a map of our service area, [click here](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf).
**Hunger Facts**
- Nearly 170,000 people in southwestern Wisconsin face hunger (1 in 8)
- Nearly 51,000 children are food insecure (1 in 5)
- Over the last four years, food insecurity in our area has increased by 92%
**Impact on community**
- Last year, Second Harvest Foodbank distributed 26.2 million pounds of food.
- Every $20 gift provides nearly $50 in groceries to our neighbors facing food insecurity.
- Second Harvest Foodbank helps provide nearly 60,000 meals a day.
- Since its inception in 1986, Second Harvest Foodbank has helped provide over 279 million meals.
## Brand Truth
Nutritious food should not be a privilege. At Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, we are here to end hunger and ensure everyone understands that food is our universal, human right. Like air and water, everyone must have [access to food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-immigration-enforcement-fears-are-hampering-access-to-food/), regardless of their circumstances. It is not a question of deserving — we were born to be nourished, and to help nourish one another.
When we have sustenance, we are better able to sustain strong relationships — as parents, partners, friends, and human beings. Good [food helps fuel](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/) our lives — our ability to be fully present for each other and for ourselves. Good food should not be a luxury.
As a network leader, Second Harvest works with a vast range of community supporters to spread the word that if one of us is struggling, it is the responsibility of all of us to help ease that struggle. Through our food rescue efforts with grocers, and our work with farmers and producers, we supply hundreds of [partner agencies with food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) and resources to assist the community. We endeavor to empower people to access [food assistance anytime they need it — to educate](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/lussier-community-education-food-pantry/) and end the stigma of needing support.
It is human and essential to lean on one another at all times, not just during periods of difficulty. Second Harvest would not survive without the tremendous support of our community — a network of volunteers, partners, donors and more. None of us survive without the support of others — to be in need is never shameful. To need support is to be human.
Our vision at Second Harvest is to ensure that every member of our community has enough nutritious food to thrive. Through our work at Second Harvest we find strength by participating, hope by listening, and connection by sharing. Together, we can share strength, hope, connection, and purpose. Together, we can share our vision and our truth — nutritious food belongs to us all.
**Branded Merchandise**
[ Lands’ End Store ](https://business.landsend.com/store/secondharvestmadison)
## Media Contact
 **Kris Tazelaar**
he \| him \| his
**Media and Public Relations Manager**
[608-216-7206](tel:608-216-7206) [ kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:kris.tazelaar@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Partners & Programs ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/partners-programs/)
**Published:** February 24, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Food Safety
##### Food Date Extension Resources
- APPLES Food Dates – Agency partner co-learning on food dates/best by dates extensions presented by Second Harvest.
- [Slide deck and Q&As](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/APPLES-Food-Dates-PDF-1.pdf)
- [Video and Q&A session](https://youtu.be/ufMaYR-50sk)
- Food Date Guidelines
- [English – Full Color](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Date-Guidelines-English-Full-Color-PDF.pdf) – Broad and basic food extension guidelines for common food categories.
- [English](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_English.pdf) – Broad and basic food extension guidelines for common food categories.
- [Español](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_Spanish.pdf) – Normas generales y básicas de la prórroga de los alimentos para las categorías comunes de la comida.
- [Hmoob](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_Hmong.pdf) – Daim ntawv no qhia seb hom khoom noj khoom haus zoo noj txog thaum twg tom qab cov vas thib koj pom lawv muab sau rau cov khoom.
- [Food Date Guidelines Flyer + QR Code](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_Food-Date-Guidelines-Flyer.pdf) (English, Español and Hmoob)
- Retail Recovery & Food Drive Donations – Dry Goods Item Numbers, Date Extensions and Sorting Categories (Coming soon!)
- [Safe & Healthy – Food Product Dating for Pantry Guests](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Safe-Healthy_-Food-Product-Dating-for-Pantry-Guests-UW-Extension-.pdf) (UW Extension)
- [Still Tasty](https://www.stilltasty.com/) – Comprehensive info about how long you can keep and store thousands of foods and beverages.
- [USDA Food Product Dating](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating) – Overview
- [USDA FoodKeeper App](https://espanol.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app)
##### Food Packaging Defects Resources
**Defects Guides:**
- - [Cans](https://espanol.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app) – Visual guide for unsafe conditions in canned products. (Feeding America & ServSafe)
##### Food Safety Resources
- [Safe and Healthy Food Pantries](https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/safehealthypantries/) – A wide variety of tools and resources for supporting the health and well-being of pantry guests. (UW Extension)
- [Comidas al Aire Libre](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Comidas-al-Aire-Libre-Como-manipular-alimentos-de-manera-segura.pdf) – Cómo manipular alimentos de manera segura (FDA)
- Consejos breves sobre seguridad alimentaria
- [Paso 1 Limpiar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Consejos-breves-sobre-seguridad-alimentaria-Paso-1-Limpiar.pdf) (FDA)
- [Paso 2 Separar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Consejos-breves-sobre-seguridad-alimentaria-Paso-2-Separar.pdf) (FDA)
- [Paso 3 Cocinar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Consejos-breves-sobre-seguridad-alimentaria-Paso-3-Cocinar.pdf) (FDA)
- [Paso 4 Enfriar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Consejos-breves-sobre-seguridad-alimentaria-Paso-4-Enfriar.pdf) (FDA)
- [COVID 19 and Food Safety – Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.fao.org/2019-ncov/q-and-a/food-safety/en/) (United Nations)
- [Eating Outdoors – Handling Food Safely](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Eating-Outdoors-Handling-Food-Safely.pdf)
- [Food Safety Basics](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics) – A collection of articles on a wide variety of topics (Cooking With Microwave Ovens, Shelf-Stable Foods, Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms, etc. – USDA)
- Young Adults Quick Tips
- [Step 1 Clean](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults-Quick-Tips-Step-1-Clean.pdf) (FDA)
- [Step 2 Separate](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults-Quick-Tips-Step-2-Separate.pdf) (FDA)
- [Step 3 Cook](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults-Quick-Tips-Step-3-Cook.pdf) (FDA)
- [Step 4 Chill](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults-Quick-Tips-Step-4-Chill.pdf) (FDA)
- [Tips for Young Adults Under 30 (FDA)](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults-Under-30.pdf)
- [Tips for Young Adults: Ready-To-Eat Foods](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Young-Adults_-Ready-To-Eat-Foods.pdf) (FDA)
- [Tips for Young Children](https://www.eatright.org/homefoodsafety/safety-tips/food-poisoning/food-safety-tips-for-young-children) (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Food Safety
- [Allergens](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies) – Overview of major food allergies, allergenic substances and product labeling from the USDA.
- Allergens – Visual guide to the nine major food allergens. (Coming soon!)
- [Food Safety and Health Resources](https://foodsafety.wisc.edu/) (UW Madison)
- [Four Steps to Food Safety](https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html) – Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.
- [Food Shopping – Shopping for food during the COVID pandemic](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/shopping-food-during-covid-19-pandemic-information-consumers) (May 2020 – USDA)
- [Tips For Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Food-Safety-For-Older-Adults-and-People-with-Cancer-Diabetes-HIV-AIDS-Organ-Transplants-Autoimmune-Diseases.pdf) (FDA)
- [Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/keep-your-food-safe-during-emergencies) – Power Outages, Floods & Fires (USDA)
- Product Labeling Best Practices (Coming soon!)
- [Safe Produce For Food Pantries](https://safeproduce4foodpantries.org/) – Website with many resources and training options for gardeners, food pantries, volunteers and pantry guests (UW Madison)
- [Seguridad alimentaria para adultos de menos de 30](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Seguridad-alimentaria-para-adultos-de-menos-de-30-¡Tan-facil.pdf) (FDA)
- [Seguridad Alimentaria](https://espanol.foodsafety.gov/-mfpi/tablas-de-seguridad-alimentaria) – Tablas de Seguridad Alimentaria
- [Seguridad de los alimentos en adultos mayores, y personas con cáncer, diabetes, VIH/SIDA, trasplante de órganos y enfermedades autoinmunes](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Seguridad-de-los-alimentos-adultos-mayores-y-personas-con-cancer-diabetes-VIH-SIDA-transplante-de-organos-enfermedades-autoinmunes.pdf) (FDA)
- [Vaya a la segura con los alimentos listos para consumir](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Vaya-al-a-segura-con-los-alimentos-listos-para-consumir.pdf) (FDA)
- [What Are Molds?](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/What-Are-Molds-Information-sheet-and-best-practices-when-mold-appears-on-food.-Feeding-America.pdf) Information sheet and best practices when mold appears on food. (Feeding America)
- [What you can do to avoid food poisoning](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling) (FDA)
##### Food Storage Resources
- [Ethylene Infographic](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Time-and-Temperature-Control.pdf) – Keep Them Separated
- [Ethylene Producing and Ethylene Sensitive Produce](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ethylene-Producing-and-Ethylene-Sensitive-Produce.pdf)
- [Home Storage Guide for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Home-Storage-Guide-for-Fresh-Fruit-and-Vegetables.pdf) – A guide for counter and refrigerator storage of fruits and vegetables and which ones are low, neutral and high ethylene producers. (Half Your Plate)
- [Keep It Fresh](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Keep-It-Fresh-Fruits-Vegetables-American-Heart-Association.pdf) – Fruits & Vegetables (American Heart Association)
- [Manten la Frescura](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Manten-la-Frescura-Frutas-y-Verduras-American-Heart-Association.pdf) – Frutas y Verduras (American Heart Association)
- [Produce Storage Chart](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Storage-Chart.jpg): What to refrigerate, store on the counter, etc. (UC Davis)
- [Produce Storage Cheat Sheet](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Storage-Cheat-Sheet-Sustainable-America.pdf) (Sustainable America)
- [Produce Storage Guide](https://food52.com/blog/25952-best-way-to-store-fruit-vegetables): How to Literally Store Every Dang Fruit & Vegetable (Food52)
- [Produce Storage Guide:](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Storage-Guide.pdf) Temperatures to store and shelf-life for common vegetables and fruits.
- [Refrigerator Storage Guide](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Refrigerator-Storage-Guide.pdf): Shelf by shelf and cooking temperature guide to stocking coolers.
- [Safe Handling of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Safe-Handling-of-Fresh-Fruits-and-Vegetables-UW-Extension.pdf) (UW Extension)
- [Storing Food Safely](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Storing-Food-Safely_-General-guidelines-for-food-storage-at-pantries.-ServSafe_Feeding-America.pdf): General guidelines for food storage at pantries. (ServSafe/Feeding America)
##### Quality Assurance Resources – Produce
- [Produce Sorting Guide](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Sorting-Guide-Food-Bank-for-Southern-Colorado.pdf) – Two-page visual guide for acceptable and not acceptable conditions of produce. (Foodbank for Southern Colorado)
- Produce Spotlights
- [Apples](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Apples.pdf)
- [Bell Peppers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Bell-Peppers.pdf)
- [Cucumbers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Cucumbers.pdf)
- [Onions](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Onions.pdf)
- [Potatoes](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Potatoes.pdf)
- [Stone Fruit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Stone-Fruit.pdf)
- [Summer Squash](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Summer-Squash.pdf)
- [Sweet Corn](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Sweet-Corn.pdf)
- [Sweet Potatoes](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Sweet-Potatoes.pdf)
- [Watermelon](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Watermelon.pdf)
- [Zucchini](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Produce-Spotlight-Zucchini.pdf)
##### Recalls and Food Safety Alerts Resources
- [Second Harvest Recall Information](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-safety-information/)
- Recalls
- - [Recalls.gov](https://www.recalls.gov/food.html)
- [U.S. Department of Agriculture](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls) (USDA)
- [U.S. Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts) (FDA)
##### Sanitation Resources
- APPLES Sanitation: Agency [partner co-learning on safe food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/we-have-to-make-sure-that-were-partners-instead-of-observers-gov-tony-evers-continues-his-fight-against-food-insecurity-in-wisconsin/) handling and sanitation practices presented by Second Harvest.
- [Slide deck and Q&As](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/APPLES-2_-Sanitation.pdf)
- [Video and recorded Q&A session](https://youtu.be/wIq66dUuIQQ)
- Sanitization Solution: How to make and use a sanitizing solution. (Coming soon!)
- [Cleaning vs Sanitizing Posters](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Cleaning-vs-Sanitizing-Posters-Espanol-and-English-ServSafe.pdf) (Espanol and English – ServSafe)
##### Stop Foodbourne Illness Quick Facts
- [Bringing Food from Home to Events](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Bringing-Food-From-Home-to-Events.pdf)
- [Cleaning Refrigerators and Freezers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Cleaning-Refrigerators-and-Freezers.pdf)
- [Clean, Sanitize, Disinfect](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Clean-Sanitize-_-Disinfect.pdf)
- [Eating at Your Desk](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Eating-at-Your-Desk.pdf)
- [Food at Festivals and Fairs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Food-at-Festivals-and-Fairs.pdf)
- [Food from Farmers Markets](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Food-from-Farmers-Markets.pdf)
- [Food Trucks](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Food-Trucks.pdf)
- [Handwashing Tips](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Handwashing-Tips.pdf)
- [Holiday Cooking and Leftovers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Holiday-Cooking-and-Leftovers.pdf)
- [How Temperatures Affect Food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-How-Temperatures-Affect-Food.pdf)
- [Older Adults](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Older-Adults.pdf)
- [Outdoor BBQs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Outdoor-BBQs.pdf)
- [Pets Are Family Too](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Pets-Are-Family-Too.pdf)
- [Pregnancy: Eating Safely for Two](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Pregnancy-Eating-Safely-for-Two.pdf)
- [Preventing Norovirus](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Preventing-Norovirus.pdf)
- [School Lunches for Kids](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-School-Lunches-for-Kids.pdf)
- [Spring Holidays and Egg Safety](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Spring-Holidays-and-Egg-Safety.pdf)
- [Taking Lunch to Work](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Taking-Lunch-to-Work.pdf)
- [Using Meat Thermometers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stop-Foodbourne-Illness-Quick-Facts-Using-Meat-Thermometers.pdf)
##### Time & Temperature Control Resources
- [Barbecue Basics](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/barbecue-basics-tips-prevent-foodborne-illness): Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illness
- [Consejos básicos para cocinar a la parrilla](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/articulos-en-espanol/consejos-basicos-para-cocinar-la-parrilla-evite-las-enfermedades-transmitidas-por-alimentos): Evite las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos.
- [Cooking Temperature Requirements for Specific Types of Foods](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Cooking-Temperature-Requirements-for-Specific-Types-of-Food.pdf) (ServSafe)
- [Time & Temperature Controls](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Time-and-Temperature-Control.pdf): Minimum cooking temperatures for meat, poultry, fish, eggs, produce, etc. (ServSafe)
---
### [Your Gift Makes a Big Difference](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-gift-makes-a-big-difference/)
**Published:** August 9, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## Ways To Give
Whether your giving is one time or monthly, by way of an employer match or through a donor advised fund, we welcome and appreciate your support to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
If you would like to direct your gift to a specific program or fund like the Thea Aschkenase Endowment, click “Donate Now” below and make a selection from the drop down menu under “What would you like your donation to support?” or indicate the designation in the “Leave a comment” field.
Through the generosity of our community, we’re able to support thousands of kids, seniors, and families who are forced to make tough choices for how to spend their limited resources every day.
[Donate Now](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/797733/donate)
## Become a monthly donor
Thousands of families across southwestern Wisconsin rely on Second Harvest and our network of local food providers to make ends meet every month. Your monthly support is one of the most effective ways you can help nourish our community.
You can change your monthly giving anytime by [logging in here](https://email.classy.org/NjczLURDVS01NTgAAAGNnpjR6K_-NhAlaIWtZ_iqE5mnmC2CsBZSn-W9V3_DyyKsLrDtc8gQJzJJElzz7P4mr9tn-gE=).
Benefits of being a monthly donor:
1. Monthly donations help Second Harvest and our network of food providers effectively plan ahead for greater impact
2. It’s a great way to meet your philanthropic goals without having to remember to do it, it’s done automatically for you
## Connect with us!
 **Chris Ziemba**
he \| him \| his
Donor Relations Manager
[608-216-7244](tel:608-216-7244) [ chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org)
 **Eva Wingren**
she \| her \| hers
Donor Relations Officer
[608-216-7242](tel:608-216-7242) [ eva.wingren@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:eva.wingren@secondharvestsw.org)
“Eva was incredible! She supported me in making the right decisions for my philanthroptic goals.”
– Monthly Donor
## More ways to give!
There are so many ways to give, and every gift makes a difference! Here, you’ll find instructions for different giving methods.
#### Mail or Phone
###### Give by mail
To send a gift by mail, please print and fill out the [Financial Gift Form](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Financial-Gift-Form.pdf), and send it along with your gift to:
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
2802 Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
###### Give by phone
To make a gift by phone with a credit card, or to speak to someone about giving, contact the Donor Relations Team at 608-216-7202.
#### Stock, IRA’s, and Donor-Advised Funds (DAF’s)
###### Give stock
A gift of appreciated stock is a wonderful way to give a larger gift. Contact [Chris Ziemba](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org), Donor Relations Manager at 608-216-7244 to discuss the process.
###### Give by IRA
If you are over 70½ years old and must take a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Second Harvest Foodbank. QCD amounts are not taxed, though they are also not eligible for an additional charitable tax deduction. Contact your financial institution for more information or to request a QCD. If you or they have further questions or would like to inform us of your intent to make an IRA gift, please email [Eva Wingren](mailto:evaw@shfbmadison.org) or call 608-216-7242.
EIN: 39-1490691
###### Give by Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Many investment companies and community foundations offer clients the ability to consolidate their giving for tax and administrative benefits through Donor Advised Funds. Fund holders receive a charitable tax deduction at the time of funding and can recommend grants to 501c3 charitable organizations, like Second Harvest, later. If you already have a DAF account with funds available for distribution, consider recommending a gift from it this year.
EIN: 39-1490691
#### Planned Giving, Endowment Giving, Tributes/Honors/Memorials
###### Planned giving
There are planned gift vehicles that can help fulfill your personal financial goals while providing Second Harvest Foodbank with important, long-term support. Ask your financial advisor and check out our [Gift Acceptance Policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHFB-Gift-Acceptance-Policy-051122.pdf) for more information.
###### Endowment giving
An endowment is a special fund with the goal of making a long-term impact. Money in the endowment is invested, and Second Harvest is able to spend the earnings while not depleting the initial gift. Second Harvest has a General Endowment and the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought, which benefits our school pantry work. Contact [Chris Ziemba](mailto:ChrisZ@shfbmadison.org) at 608-216-7244 if you’d like to make an endowment gift towards creating permanent resources for ending hunger.
Thea Aschkenase was a Holocaust survivor who worked tirelessly to advocate against hunger, particularly in schools. Her daughter Lea honored her legacy by launching many [school markets](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/school-market-helps-community/) in the Madison area, which are now supported by Second Harvest. Your gift to the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought will be part of a permanent legacy to ensure that kids have the nutrition they need to thrive.
[Make your gift today](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/345260/#!/donation/checkout)
###### Tributes, honors, and memorials
We are so honored to be part of the way you celebrate and remember your loved ones. When you give online, you can send them an e-card with a custom message!
#### Food Donations, Corporate Partnership, Employer Matching
###### Food donations
Nearly 60% of the food distributed by Second Harvest is donated through large and bulk food donations from food producers, large-scale agricultural businesses, local grocery stores, and smaller donations from individuals, service organizations, and schools holding food drives. To make a large, bulk [food donation,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donations/) contact our Food Donor Coordinator, [Jo Rabbach](mailto:josephine.rabbach@secondharvestsw.org) at 608-216-7246. To ask about holding a [fund & food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/), contact [Elissa Pollack](mailto:elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org) at 608-333-0095.
###### Corporate partnership
Just like there’s no one way to succeed, there’s more than one way to have your company support those facing hunger in our community. Your partnership with Second Harvest will help you meet your philanthropic goals while being associated with southwestern Wisconsin’s leading hunger-relief organization. Contact our [corporate giving team](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/corporate-giving/) to find the best way for your organization to support those facing hunger in our community.
###### Employer matching
Many employers offer matching gift [programs to encourage their employees to support](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/second-harvest-receives-50000-grant-from-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-foundation-to-support-hungercare-wellness-program/) charitable causes such as hunger relief. An employer may match your gift or volunteer time dollar for dollar – and sometimes by much more. It can be easy to double or even triple the value of your donation to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin with a matching gift!
[Matching Gift](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/matching-gift-basics/) and [Volunteer Grant](https://doublethedonation.com/matching-grant-resources/volunteer-grant-basics/) information provided by
[](https://doublethedonation.com)
#### Have questions? Give our team a call. 608-216-7202
---
### [Wisconsin Food Rescue](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodrescue/)
**Published:** June 26, 2026
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### The U.S. wastes 92 billion pounds of food while 34 million people, including 9 million children, face hunger. The challenge is not supply—it’s distribution.
As part of the [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/reduce-food-waste) network, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin works to bridge that gap. Wisconsin Food Rescue is an initiative to recover fresh, safe food from local businesses and deliver it quickly to neighbors who need it.
Second Harvest Foodbank partners with more than 300 food manufacturers, grocers, and convenience stores across the region. Using coordinated pickup routes, staff and volunteers collect surplus food—often near its sell-by date—and redistribute it to food pantries, school markets, and meal programs, often within hours.
This system is both efficient and scalable. About 60% of the food Second Harvest distributes—nearly 15 million pounds each year—come from Wisconsin Food Rescue and donor partnerships.
## Community Resilience
Second Harvest Foodbank connects businesses with local food pantries to move food quickly from shelves to tables. These relationships expand access to fresh, nutrient-dense food and reduce costs for community organizations. Learn more about how food rescue helps organizations like [WayForward Resources](https://www.wayforwardresources.org/), a Second Harvest pantry partner supporting Dane County residents.
*“**Last fiscal year, food rescue partnerships brought in more than 740,000 pounds of food—supplying about 37% of the food in our pantry. Having access to nutritious food that includes fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and more, makes a real difference, and the variety it offers is one of the things our guests often tell us they truly appreciate.”*
— Maggie Milcarek, WayForward Resources Food and Resource Access Director
## Environmental Impact
Food rescue also reduces waste. In 2024 alone, an estimated 652,000 tons of previously edible food was thrown away instead of eaten in Wisconsin. When food is recovered instead of discarded, it helps reduce methane emissions and supports statewide sustainability efforts. Check out [Wisconsin DNR’s sustainable management of food](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Waste/SMF.html) to learn more.
*“Food waste takes up an estimated 20% of the waste going to Wisconsin’s landfills. By rescuing food, we’re feeding people, not landfills, supporting local communities, and saving all the resources that went into producing that food from going to waste.”*
— Kate Strom Hiorns, Wisconsin DNR’s Waste and Materials Management Program Director
## Retail Partnership
Grocery and convenience stores regularly remove safe food from shelves due to dates, overstock or minor imperfections. Wisconsin Food Rescue ensures that this edible food is quickly redirected to families — turning surplus into meals. Retailers like Kwik Trip, Costco, Walmart, Pick ‘n Save, and Metro Market are integral to the success of Wisconsin Food Rescue and connecting fresh food to hundreds of food pantries.
## Food rescue is a powerful solution to a complex problem.
*“Second Harvest is committed to ensuring every person in our community has dependable access to healthy food.” —* Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
Get Involved## HOW TO HELP
By combining strong partnerships, strict food-safety standards, and efficient logistics, Second Harvest Foodbank transforms excess food into immediate community impact.
[ 
### GIVE TODAY
Support Wisconsin Food Rescue with a financial gift to help move fresh food safely and quickly across southwestern Wisconsin.
](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/797733/donate) [ 
### DONATE FOOD
Become a food donor and turn surplus product into meals for local families.
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-gift-makes-a-big-difference/#mwtg-4) [ 
### LEARN MORE
Explore other ways to support Wisconsin Food Rescue through corporate giving and community partnerships.
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/corporate-giving/)
## FAQ
##### Why would edible food be wasted?
There are several common reasons why a food manufacturer or retailer may choose not to sell product to customers and most have little to do with the safety or quality of the food itself. The most common reasons include minor cosmetic imperfections, food nearing a best by, sell by, or expiration date, overproduction of food that has no buyer, and food or packaging that may have been damaged in transit.
##### Does this initiative support all of Wisconsin?
Through partnerships with donors, retailers, and manufacturers across Wisconsin, Second Harvest Foodbank directs rescued food to families and neighbors in southwestern Wisconsin while contributing to a stronger statewide food system.
##### Is it safe to eat food near or past a best by, sell by, or expiration date?
In most cases, yes, it is safe. Best by dates refer to sellable quality not safety and are determined by food manufacturers differently. You can learn more about food dates by visiting the [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating)
##### What is the benefit offered to a business donating rather than disposing of food?
Donating food can help a business reduce disposal costs, increase community visibility, and create opportunities for growing employee engagement. Second Harvest accepts over runs or seasonal/holiday products, which helps solve disposal and inventory management challenges for donors.
##### Are food donors legally protected?
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act establishes Federal protection from civil and criminal liability for persons involved in the donation and distribution of food and grocery products in our community when certain criteria are met.
## Connect With Us!
Still have questions about this initiative or how you can get involved? Contact Ian Steele!
 Ian Steele
Director of Supply Chain
[(608) 216-7241](tel:(608)%20216-7241) [ ian.steele@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:ian.steele@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Individual Food Donations](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/individual-food-donations/)
**Published:** February 15, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Donate directly to your local pantry
Individuals are also encouraged to contact one of our partner agencies directly to see if they can be supported by your donation. Please feel free to explore our partner agency map to locate a location nearby you!
[Find a partner agency near me](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
## Individuals
Individuals can donate nonperishable food items to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin at our Madison, Wisconsin distribution center. Please contact our Food Resource Team before dropping off your donations.
Interested in hosting a fund and food drive with your workplace, team, or community?
[Click here to learn more](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/)
### Have a food donation? Connect with our team.
 Jo Rabbach
She \| Her \| Hers
Food Donor Coordinator
[608-216-7246](tel:608-216-7246) [ josephine.rabbach@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:josephine.rabbach@secondharvestsw.org)
 Ben Auerbach
he \| him \| his
Food Sourcing Coordinator
[608-216-7551](tel:608-216-7551) [ ben.auerbach@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:ben.auerbach@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Privacy Policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/privacy-policy/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
#### Introduction
We have created this statement to demonstrate our firm commitment to your privacy. We do not collect personally identifying information about you when you visit our site, unless you choose to provide such information to us. Providing such information is strictly voluntary. This policy is your guide to how we will handle information we learn about you from your visit to our Web site.
#### 1. Use of Links
Throughout our Web pages, we provide links to other servers which may contain information of interest to our readers. We take no responsibility for, and exercise no control over, the organizations, views, or accuracy of the information contained on other servers. Creating a text link from your Web site to our site does not require permission.
#### 2. Use of Text and Images
If you would like to publish information that you find on our Web site, please send your request to <info@secondharvestsw.org>.
#### 3. Accessibility
If you have suggestions on how to make the site more accessible, please contact us at <info@secondharvestsw.org>.
#### 4. Reading or Downloading
We collect and store only the following information about you: the name of the domain from which you access the Internet (for example, aol.com, if you are connecting from an America Online account, or princeton.edu if you are connecting from Princeton University’s domain), the date and time you access our site, and the Internet address of the Web site from which you linked to our site. We use the information we collect to measure the number of visitors to the different sections of our site, and to help us make our site more useful to visitors.
#### 5. Online Profile Updates and Donations
If you share your personally identifying information with us by creating an online profile or making an online donation, this information will be used only to provide you with more targeted content. We may use your contact information to send further information about our organization or to contact you when necessary.
#### 6. Sending us an Email
You also may decide to send us personally identifying information, for example, in an electronic mail message containing a question or comment, or by filling out a Web form that provides us this information. We use personally identifying information from email primarily to respond to your requests. We may forward your email to other employees who are better able to answer you questions. We may also use your email to contact you in the future about our programs that may be of interest.
We want to be very clear: We will not obtain personally identifying information about you when you visit our site, unless you choose to provide such information to us. Providing such information is strictly voluntary. Except as might be required by law, we do not share any information we receive with any outside parties.
If you sign up for one of our email lists, we will only send you the kinds of information you have requested. We won’t share your name or email address with any outside parties.
#### 7. Questions about our policies
If you have any questions about this privacy statement, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this Web site, you can contact us at: <info@secondharvestsw.org>.
---
### [More Ways to Give](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-ways-to-give/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
### There are so many ways to give, and every gift makes a difference! Here, you’ll find instructions for different giving methods.
##### Give by mail
To send a gift by mail, please print and fill out the [Financial Gift Form](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Financial-Gift-Form.pdf), and send it along with your gift to:
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
2802 Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
##### Give by phone
To make a gift by phone with a credit card, or to speak to someone about giving, contact the Donor Relations Team at 608-216-7202.
##### Give monthly
Monthly support helps us plan ahead for greater impact – and many people find it convenient to receive automated digital receipts. If you give at least $100 per month, you will automatically become part of our Sustainer’s Circle, a special group of donors who have made an ongoing leadership commitment to making sure everyone has enough nutritious food. [Join the Sustainer’s Circle today](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/336342/#!/donation/checkout?c=src=Morewaystogivepage) for exclusive group tours, events, and special updates.
##### Tributes, honors, and memorials
We are so honored to be part of the way you celebrate and remember your loved ones. When you give online, you can send them an e-card with a custom message!
##### Give by IRA
If you are over 70½ years old and must take a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Second Harvest Foodbank. QCD amounts are not taxed, though they are also not eligible for an additional charitable tax deduction. Contact your financial institution for more information or to request a QCD. If you or they have further questions or would like to inform us of your intent to make an IRA gift, please email [Eva Wingren](mailto:eva.wingren@secondharvestsw.org) or call 608-216-7242.
*New information as of 2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided some tax incentives for charitable giving purposes. For example, the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions was increased for donors. Under the CARES Act an individual can deduct 100 percent of their AGI for cash gifts. This may offer an opportunity for those 59 ½ years old to benefit by taking a cash distribution from an IRA account and then contributing that amount back to a charity to offset taxes. This option is for those who are itemizing deductions. Reach out to your accountant to see how the CARES Act impacts your tax situation.*
##### Give by donor-advised fund (DAF)
Many investment companies and community foundations offer clients the ability to consolidate their giving for tax and administrative benefits through Donor Advised Funds. Fund holders receive a charitable tax deduction at the time of funding and can recommend grants to 501c3 charitable organizations, like Second Harvest, later. If you already have a DAF account with funds available for distribution, consider recommending a gift from it this year.
##### Make a grant
Do you work with a foundation that has a grantmaking process, or have questions about how to focus your investment in a specific area of our work? Contact [Kate Hephner](mailto:%20kate.hephner@secondharvestsw.org), Grants Specialist, by email or at 608-216-7518.
##### Give stock
A gift of appreciated stock is a wonderful way to give a larger gift. Contact [Chris Ziemba](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org), Donor Relations Manager at 608-216-7244 to discuss the process.
##### Planned giving
There are planned gift vehicles that can help fulfill your personal financial goals while providing Second Harvest Foodbank with important, long-term support. Ask your financial advisor and check out our [Gift Acceptance Policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SHFB-Gift-Acceptance-Policy-051122.pdf) for more information.
##### Endowment giving
An endowment is a special fund with the goal of making a long-term impact. Money in the endowment is invested, and Second Harvest is able to spend the earnings while not depleting the initial gift. Second Harvest has a General Endowment and the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought, which benefits our school pantry work. Contact [Chris Ziemba](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org) at 608-216-7244 if you’d like to make an endowment gift towards creating permanent resources for ending hunger.
Thea Aschkenase was a Holocaust survivor who worked tirelessly to advocate against hunger, particularly in schools. Her daughter Lea honored her legacy by launching many [school markets](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/school-market-helps-community/) in the Madison area, which are now supported by Second Harvest. Your gift to the Thea Aschkenase Endowment for Food For Thought will be part of a permanent legacy to ensure that kids have the nutrition they need to thrive.
[Make your gift today](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/Thea)
### Give Time and Expertise
##### Volunteer
Our work to distribute nutritious food and end hunger would not be possible without community members giving time to sort, package, and deliver food to partners and programs.
[Learn about our volunteer opportunities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-opportunities/)
##### Advocacy
Engaging in advocacy efforts can help raise awareness of Second Harvest’s mission, mobilize other community members, and express your public opinion around issues that matter to you.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/advocate/)
---
### [Donor Privacy Policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/donor-privacy-policy/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin respects the privacy of both our online and offline donors:
- We do not rent, sell, share, or trade our donor’s personal information with anyone else
- We do not send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations
- We only share a donor’s personal information if they have given us specific permission to do so
Your name and address and other information you provide will be used to deliver services and to keep you informed and up to date on our activities, including programs, services, special events, funding needs, opportunities to volunteer or to give. If at any time you wish to be removed from any of our communications simply contact us at 608-216-7202 or <info@secondharvestsw.org> and we will gladly accommodate your request.
#### Our Commitment
Our organization is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, board members, agencies, donors, customers, and other interested parties. We value the trust of those we deal with, and of the public, and recognize that maintaining this trust requires that we be transparent and accountable in how we treat the [information that you choose to share](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-information-nbc15-share-your-holidays-grand-finale/) with us.
During the course of our various projects and activities, we gather and use personal information. In making a donation to us, information will be collected that must remain private. We are the sole owner of all information collected in the donation process. We will not under any circumstance sell, share, or rent your information in ways other than what we disclosed in this statement.
#### Website and Electronic Commerce
Please see Web [Privacy Policy.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/privacy-policy/)
#### Updating of Privacy Policy
We regularly review our privacy practices for our various activities and update our policy. Please check with [our Development & Communications Department for information on our most up-to-date practices.](mailto:chrisz@shfbmadison.org;krist@shfbmadison.org)
---
### [Farm to Foodbank Initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/f2f/)
**Published:** October 27, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## Local Impact
### Feeding Families, Supporting Farmers
55
local farmers have partnered to provide nourishing food
$ 16000
in local economic activity is generated with every $10,000 invested
5 million
meals delivered since 2022
55
local farmers have partnered to provide nourishing food
$ 16000
in local economic activity is generated with every $10,000 invested
5 million
meals delivered since 2022
### Support Farm to Foodbank!
With your help, we can get closer to nutrition security and food equity in our community.
[Give Today](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/753976/donate)
The Farm to Foodbank Initiative strengthens Wisconsin’s agricultural industry by purchasing from local farms rather than national distributors. Through partnerships with dozens of local farmers (many of them family-owned and operated or from marginalized communities), this innovative initiative supplies fresh produce to food pantries. **Buying locally supports farm families and their employees while delivering fresher food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.**
**Support for Farm to Foodbank Initiative is provided by generous partners like the *[Alliant Energy Foundation](https://www.alliantenergy.com/communitysupportandsafety/communityprograms/alliantenergyfoundation) and [Dean Health Plan by Medica](https://www.deancare.com/)***
### Connect with us to support local food access!
 Chris Ziemba
he \| him \| his
Donor Relations Manager
[608-216-7244](tel:608-216-7244) [ chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Who We Are](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/who-we-are/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Vision
Everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
## Mission
Second Harvest exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
## Values
Equity • Humility • Inclusion • Innovation • Integrity • Trust
## About
**Our Approach:** We believe that everyone in our community should have equal access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally meaningful food. Through our core services of food acquisition and storage, food distribution, and community partnerships we provide those facing hunger in our community access to enough nutritious food to thrive.
[Our Approach](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-approach/)
**Our History:** Since 1986 we have been supporting our neighbors struggling with food insecurity in southwestern Wisconsin. From adding new programs to new buildings, our focus on supporting our community to make ends meet and live healthier lives has never changed.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-story/)
**Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion:** As one of Wisconsin’s largest and most recognizable nonprofit organizations, we have a responsibility to address all inequities, we will work to center and uplift the voices and lived experiences of those who experience hunger across our sixteen counties.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/)
Our 16-county service area includes Adams County, Columbia County, Crawford County, Dane County, Dodge County, Grant County, Green County, Iowa County, Jefferson County, Juneau County, LaFayette County, Monroe County, Richland County, Rock County, Sauk County, Vernon County.
[Map of Our Service Area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf)
[  Annual Reports & Financials Annual Reports & Financials
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/annual-reports-financials/)
---
### [Mobile Food Pantry Calendar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-food-pantry-calendar/)
**Published:** July 22, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
#### **Changes can happen, receive text updates when they do.**
To receive a text message when there is a change, find your county below and text the corresponding keyword to 866-989-3123.
Dane County text **FOODDANE \|** Dodge and Jefferson Counties text **FOODEAST \|** Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk Counties text **FOODNORTH**
Rock County text **FOODROCK \|** Crawford, Monroe, Richland, and Vernon Counties text **FOODWEST \|** Grant, Green, Iowa, and Lafayette, and Counties text **FOODSOUTH**
#### **Reciba mensajes de texto cuando hay cambios**
**al horario de las despensas móviles de alimentos.**
Para recibir un mensaje de texto cuando hay cambios, encuentre su condado abajo y envie en un mensaje de texto con la palabra clave al 866-989-3123.
Condado Dane envie la palabra clave **COMIDADANE** \| Condados Dodge y Jefferson envie la palabra clave **COMIDAEAST**
Condados Adams, Columbia, Juneau, y Sauk envie la palabra clave **COMIDANORTH**\| Condado Rock envie la palabra clave ****COMIDAROCK****
Condados Crawford, Monroe, Richland, y Vernon envie la palabra clave **COMIDAWEST** \| Condados Grant, Green, Iowa, y Lafayette envie la palabra clave ****COMIDASOUTH****
###### **If you have any questions about eligibility to receive food support from Second Harvest, please refer to our [qualification guidelines](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/).**
---
### [Find Food Near You](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
**Published:** February 24, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
---
### [Adopt a Dairy Cow Certificates!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/adopt-a-dairy-cow-certificates/)
**Published:** March 13, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Thank You for Your Generous Gift!**
Your support helps Second Harvest Foodbank provide milk — a vital, nutrient-rich staple — to neighbors facing nutrition insecurity across southwestern Wisconsin. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference!
**To Get Your “Adoption” Certificate:**
1. Click on the photo of your bovine buddy below.
2. Download and print your official adoption certificate!
3. Bring your adoption certificate to Sassy Cow Creamery for a free scoop! Valid through 12/31/26.
[  Brownie Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Brownie.pdf)
[  Frannie Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Frannie.pdf)
[  Honey Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Honey.pdf)
[  Isla Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Isla.pdf)
[  Clementine Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Clementine.pdf)
[  Juniper Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Juniper.pdf)
[  Poppy Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Poppy.pdf)
[  Gunda Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Gunda.pdf)
[  Sky Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Sky.pdf)
[  Kay Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Kay.pdf)
[  Ruby Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Ruby.pdf)
[  Penny Download
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_AADC_CowCertificates_Penny.pdf)
---
### [Online Interest Form for Prospective Board Members ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/get-involved/join-our-board/)
**Published:** March 2, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
We are not actively recruiting for the Board of Directors at this time. If you would like us to contact you when we are recruiting for new Board members, please fill out the brief interest form below.
Name First Last
What pronouns do you prefer to describe yourself? They/Them
She/Her
He/Him
Prefer not to say
Other
Pronouns – Other
Email
Phone
City
State
Why You Want to Join the Board**Briefly share why you’d like to join the Board of Directors for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.**
Skills & Experience**Tell us about your relevant experience.**
LinkedIn Page (optional)
Upload Resume (optional)Max. file size: 2 GB.
Submit
---
We look for Board members who will serve as passionate ambassadors for our mission to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin and help guide our work toward achieving nutrition security and food equity for all in the communities we support. We value diverse identities, lived and professional experiences, and perspectives, and we believe they strengthen the conversations and decisions that shape our vision of a community where everyone has enough nutritious food to thrive.
Various skills and experiences contribute to a dynamic and effective board. While not required, our current priorities for new members include one or more of the following:
- Lived experience with nutrition or food insecurity
- Lived or professional experience with basic needs service providers
- Expertise in healthcare systems or public health, food systems or the food industry, banking, or commercial construction
When you’re ready to learn more, we encourage you to review our [Board Member Roles and Responsibilities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022-Second-Harvest-Board-Roles-and-Responsibilities-1-1.pdf), our [organizational values](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/091422_ValuesOneSheeter.pdf), and our commitment to [Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/) to determine alignment.
For more information, please contact Michelle Orge, President & Executive Director, at <michelle.orge@secondharvestsw.org>
---
### [Contact Us](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/contact-us/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Contact Us
If you have an inquiry, please use the form below. We will respond to you as soon as possible!
**LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?** Explore opportunities that match your interests & sign up on our [Volunteer Page.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-with-us/)
**REQUEST A FOOD DISTRIBUTION** – Please reach out to your Second Harvest community representative to inquire.
**IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER** – By 5:30 a.m. that day the automated attendant message for our main phone number ([608-223-9121](tel:608-223-9121)) will be updated to indicate whether or not the office of Second Harvest Foodbank is open.
**HOLIDAY CLOSURES –** New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve. *Holiday closures are subject to change.*
Instagram
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Reason for contacting us(Required) Financial Donation
Food Donation
Media Request or Website Issue
Career Opportunities
Partner Agency Question
Seeking Help Finding Food
Corporate Sponsorship and Events
Request a Lunch and Learn
Remove me from your mailing list
Other
Anything you'd like us to know?(Required)
Submit
Distribution Center: 2802 Dairy Drive, Madison, Wisconsin
Administrative Building: 2850 Dairy Drive, Madison, Wisconsin
---
### [Nourish First and Thrive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/nourish-first-and-thrive/)
**Published:** June 24, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
 watch video
#### The 27 million pounds of food that Second Harvest provides to food pantries, school markets, and meal sites each year is not enough.
**Join Nourish First and Thrive,** an ambitious and much-needed capital campaign to increase food security for hundreds of thousands of our neighbors right here in the heart of Wisconsin.
##### The 27 million pounds of food that Second Harvest provides to food pantries, school markets, and meal sites each year is not enough.
×
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Close Popup
## 146,000 of our neighbors, including 40,000 children, are facing food insecurity
—meaning they don’t have enough to eat and are uncertain of where their next meal will come from.
Food insecurity rates are increasing, but our ability to address them is not.
## There are millions more pounds of nutritious food available to be donated to Second Harvest.
But we are out of space to accept, sort, and distribute more family-ready portions of food. The need for food support is on the rise and we need a modern distribution center that is ready to meet the growing needs of our community.
During Fiscal Year 2024, we provided food support to 34% more households than the previous year.
## Two-thirds of our 300 partners rely on Second Harvest for more than half of their food supply.
Partners like the Islamic Center of Madison look to Second Harvest as a pivotal partner in community support.
“Without Second Harvest, we would not be able to provide food for people. We don’t have the means ourselves to do that. It makes a big impact on people’s lives.”
*Ibrahim Saeed*
*President of Islamic Center of Madison*
## More from our partners
## Second Harvest is honored to work with community builders and business leaders who are among the early supporters of Nourish First and Thrive.
“It is unconscionable that in a wealthy country like ours, people go to bed hungry. We have the means to end hunger, and supporting Second Harvest’s capital campaign to build a new facility is the way we can get there together.”
*Rick Searer*
*Retired President of Kraft Foods and Oscar Mayer Foods, philanthropist, Second Harvest board member*
## A new, modern food bank is needed now more than ever.
Second Harvest is ready to build a new facility where we can double the amount of food that we collect, process, and distribute to partner agencies in our 16-county region.
## Ending hunger and addressing the root causes of food insecurity requires intrepid partnership and collaboration between the region’s largest organizations.
“Second Harvest is like United Way – a trusted distributor partner to multiply impact and ensure more people get the help they need. We support this campaign to support more individuals and families who need to eat to learn, work and create a better, healthier life.”
*Renee Moe*
*President & CEO, United Way of Dane County.*
#### **[SUPPORT \| PLEDGE \| DONATE](mailto:elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org)**
### Join us to help end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
 For corporate donations, contact:
Kaytlyn Anzivino
she \| her \| hers
Donor Relations Officer
[608-333-0541](tel:608-333-0541) [ kaytlyn.anzivino@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:kaytlyn.anzivino@secondharvestsw.org)
 For individual donations, contact:
Chris Ziemba
he \| him \| his
Donor Relations Manager
[608-216-7244](tel:608-216-7244) [ chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:chris.ziemba@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [More Info - Finding Food Resources](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-info-finding-food-resources/)
**Published:** October 27, 2023
**Author:** Support Elevation
**Content:**
Thank you for requesting more information about finding food resources. Below, you will find a variety of ways to get the information you are looking for.
For information on **finding food resources,** please go to our website at [https://www.secondharvestsw.org/:](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/)
- Select [**Find Help**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/), this will populate a drop-down menu. This is the drop-down menu where you will find information on all food resources available.
To **find a food pantry** near you:
- Select [**Find Food Near You**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/) to enter your zip code to locate a pantry in or near your area.
- To find out more information regarding hours and days of operations select **Learn More** under that pantry listing to find their phone number, e-mail address, and/or website address
To find a **Mobile Pantry**. Mobile pantries are available for EVERYONE and there is no requirement or verification needed to receive food.
- Select [**Mobile Pantry Schedule**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-food-pantry-calendar/) from the drop-down menu
- For location address and times please **click on the location within the calendar** and that will populate more information for you.
For information on the **FoodShare Program**
- Select [**FoodShare Program**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program/) from the drop-down menu
- Complete and submit the form and someone from our FoodShare Team will get back to you.
For **additional resources** **please call 211** by dialing 2-1-1 on your telephone. 211 is managed by United Way. It is a quick and easy way to find information and get referrals for thousands of programs and services across Wisconsin. Including food, housing, rental, utilities assistance and so much more.
- Select [**Additional Resources**](https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/) from the drop-down menu to be directed to 211 Wisconsin for more information
If you need additional assistance, please call us at 608-223-9121. Thank you!
---
### [Skill-Based Volunteering](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/skill-based-volunteering/)
**Published:** June 11, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### Explore a variety of volunteer and internship roles that offer flexible options to contribute your skills weekly or monthly.
Check back regularly for new needs and opportunities!
## Explore Our Current Volunteer Opportunities:
##### Food Sorting & Repack
- We are looking for individuals and groups for daily food repack shifts at our Madison distribution center, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
- Learn more and sign up to volunteer [here!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-sorting-repack/)
##### Distribution Center Support
Distribution Center Support volunteers help gather food orders onto pallets, using a pallet jack to move and prepare food for distribution to our partner pantries.
- **Time Commitment:** Approx. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Monday-Friday (at least 2 shifts per week), with a 2-month commitment.
- This role requires a volunteer application, background check, onboarding, and training before service begins.
- Learn more and apply for this role by visiting our [Volunteer Opportunity Directory!](https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/48/profile "https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/48/profile")
##### Lead Project Support Volunteer
Lead Project Support volunteers play a supportive role in our volunteer project spaces by being a resource for questions during volunteer shifts, helping move pallets of finished food, and assisting with project clean-up. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to use their Second Harvest volunteer expertise to support a positive volunteer experience.
- **Time Commitment:** Approx. 3 hours per week, between the hours of 8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, with a 6-month commitment.
- This role requires a volunteer application, background check, onboarding, and training before service begins.
- Learn more and apply for this role by visiting our [Volunteer Opportunity Directory!](https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/103/profile "https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/103/profile")
##### Bakery
Bakery volunteers help sort, inspect, categorize, and package bakery items following provided guidelines.
- **Time Commitment:** Monday mornings, 8:30 am – 11:30 am, with a 3-month commitment
- This role requires a volunteer application, training, and onboarding before service begins.
- Learn more and apply for this role by visiting our [Volunteer Opportunity Directory](https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/49/profile)!
##### Shelf Stable Food Sorting
Dry Goods Sorting volunteers inspect, categorize, and package shelf-stable, dry goods donations into 17 different categories to prepare them for distribution to our 16-county service area.
- **Time Commitment:** Tuesday mornings, 8:30 am – 11:30 am, with a 6-month commitment
- This role requires a volunteer application, training, and onboarding before service begins.
- Learn more and apply for this role by visiting our [Volunteer Opportunity Directory](https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/13/profile)!
##### Donation Desk
Donation Desk volunteers assist our partner pantries with their pickup orders and receive all drop-off donations at our Madison distribution center.
- **Time Commitment:** Friday afternoons, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, with a 6-month commitment
- This role requires a volunteer application, training, and onboarding before service begins
- Learn more and apply for this role by visiting our [Volunteer Opportunity Directory](https://www.volgistics.com/od/53181/assignment/87/profile)!
##### Volunteer Driver
Volunteer drivers deliver up to 5 pallets of food to our partners throughout our service area, using a Second Harvest vehicle.
- This role requires a volunteer application, background check, motor vehicle registration check, onboarding, and training before service begins.
- **Time Commitment:** This role doesn’t have any current openings, but we’d love to keep in touch! Please reach out to volunteers@secondharvestsw.org to be notified when future opportunities for this role become available.
##### Internships (Summer 2026)
**[Community Voice Intern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Community-Voice-Intern-Summer-2026.pdf) (Role Filled!)**– The Community Voice Intern will support administrative and outreach efforts related to community voice initiatives.
**[Partnerships & Community Impact Intern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Partnerships-Communtiy-Impact-Intern-Communciations-Summer-2026.pdf) (Role Filled!)**– The Partnerships and Community Impact Intern will support communication and engagement efforts with our network of almost 300 partners across our 16-county service area.
**[Video Production & Graphic Design Intern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Marketing-Communications-Intern-Summer-2026.pdf)** – The Video Production & Graphic Design Intern will work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to support the development of multimedia content. Application deadline: April 30. Apply via [Handshake](https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/10931605).
## Your Guide to Skill-Based Volunteering at Second Harvest
##### How do I apply for a current skill-based volunteer opportunity?
To learn more about what’s required for a specific volunteer role, view our Current Volunteer Opportunities above**.**
##### Is there a minimum age requirement?
- For our Skill-Based roles, most have a minimum age requirement of 18 years or older. To learn more about what’s required for a specific volunteer role, view our Current Volunteer Opportunities above**.**
- For our Food Sorting & Repack role, volunteers must be 12 years or older, and volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their shift. For every 5 youth, 1 adult should plan to volunteer with the group.
##### How long is the volunteer commitment?
Depending on the role, we ask volunteers to commit their time on a weekly or monthly basis, with a commitment of up to 6 months. To learn more about what’s required for a specific volunteer role, view our Current Volunteer Opportunities above**.**
##### What is required before starting?
Some volunteer roles may be subject to availability and may require an interview, volunteer application, background check, motor vehicle registration check, or additional training before beginning service. To learn more about what’s required for a specific volunteer role, view our Current Volunteer Opportunities above**.**
## Connect With Us!
Still have questions or unsure where to start? Contact Brie McNett, our Volunteer Services Coordinator, or [sign up for a volunteer orientation and tour!](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084BA8A72BAAF49-volunteer#/)
 **Brie McNett**
she/her/hers
Volunteer Services Coordinator
[608-216-7214](tel:608-216-7214) [ volunteers@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:volunteers@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Healthy Food Policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/healthy-food-policy/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Healthy Food Policy
Second Harvest Foodbank exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. To best serve our guests, we must approach our mission as providing food not only to end hunger, but also to promote and protect health to give guests the opportunity to pursue physically, financially, and emotionally healthy lives. Healthy food can help to prevent – as well as manage – the chronic illnesses that are highly prevalent in the communities that we serve. Research has shown that poor nutrition significantly contributes to chronic diet-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Therefore, Second Harvest is increasing our focus beyond the quantity of food distributed to also consider the nutritional quality of the food that we provide and providing education to help our guests make healthy choices.
Efforts will focus on the following areas:
- Increase distribution of nutritious foods including fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Increase enrollment in FoodShare Program, the number one way to help families access food and reduce poverty
- Work with Second Harvest partner agencies to increase their capacity to distribute more healthy food and educate clients on how to eat nutritiously
- Continue and expand child hunger programs to provide nutritious food to food-insecure children
- Provide food and nutrition education resources to serve guests managing diet-related chronic diseases
- Partner with health care providers to screen patients for food insecurity and connect people in need with food resources such as FoodShare, food pantries, meal sites, and other social services
This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed every three years.
“Our guests now have access to high-quality fruits and vegetables. They can prepare dishes for their families that they did not have access to before. Some even say the quality is better than the farmers market!”
Anthony – New Zion Baptist Church
---
### [Breakfast of Champions](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/breakfast-of-champions/)
**Published:** March 9, 2026
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### Frosted Flakes Takes the Crown!
Cereal is one of the most requested foods from the partner pantries we support, so we put your favorites head-to-head. From classic picks to sweet surprises, the community voted each week between March 23rd and April 10th to decide which cereal would advance—and ultimately, which one would take the crown.
**After an exciting competition, Frosted Flakes has been named champion!** The winning cereal will now be donated to our partner pantries thanks to our sponsors, **Gordon Flesch Company** and **Kroger.**
##### Frosted Flakes Crunches the Competition!
---
### [Partner Inquiry Form](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/partner-inquiry-form/)
**Published:** February 22, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Agency Partnership:
## Interest & Pre-Qualifier Form
[ *icon* Click to Access the Interest & Pre-Qualifier Form ](https://form.jotform.com/211874950088161)
---
Thank you for your interest in partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Our [partner agencies](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/agency-partners/) are essential to the work in achieving our vision that everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive. Second Harvest works with [partners to provide](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/) support for the 1 in 10 folks who are facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin – more than 100 million meals since 1986. We currently work with over 200 agency partners across our **[16-county service area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf)**.
**What is a [food bank](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-bank-news-wisc-food-bank-adds-bipoc-farmers-to-farm-to-food-bank-mix/) and why partner with Second Harvest?**
Second Harvest exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. As a food bank, we work to support our agency partners in the community by distributing food to food pantries, meal sites, partners that provide temporary or transitional housing, in-school and after-school programs, and other programs that are [addressing food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/) and its root causes. As a food bank, we are a food sourcing clearinghouse, a sorting center, a repackaging site, and a distribution hub leveraging our [resources and infrastructure to connect donated and purchased food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-info-finding-food-resources/) to our partners. Any [food that we receive at no cost is shared](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/nbc15-share-your-holidays-fund-and-food-drive/) with our partners at no cost. We also source in-demand [food items at wholesale prices and share](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/nbc15-share-your-holidays-fund-and-food-drive/) that savings with partners – or at lower costs (sometimes at no cost).
- We work together with hundreds of local organizations that are working to end hunger across our 16 counties to remove barriers and provide access to resources in the community.
- We are dedicated to providing nutritious food to partner agencies and programs.
- We are a member of **[Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/)**, a nationwide network of member food banks and the nation’s largest domestic organization working to end hunger.
**Important considerations:**
Second Harvest will utilize your completed form to determine whether your organization may be eligible for partnership. **We cannot guarantee partnership based on this information only, nor does meeting qualifications guarantee partnership.** Second Harvest Foodbank reserves the right to limit the number of partner agencies within a geographic or programmatic area.
Second Harvest prioritizes programs that are filling unmet gaps in addressing [food insecurity throughout our service area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/jefferson-area-food-pantry/). **Please note** that it is also important to consider locations of other [food programs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/sun-prairie-food-for-kids-program/) in your area. We encourage partnerships with agencies that are already distributing food in your community. It may be more effective for you to provide volunteer or financial support to help them expand their hours or the number of people they support rather than starting a new program.
For additional questions, contact Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Partnerships and Programs at 608-216-7247 or <pilare@shfbmadison.org>.
[ *icon* Click to Access the Interest & Pre-Qualifier Form ](https://form.jotform.com/211874950088161)
---
### [Equity, Diversity, Inclusion](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/equity-diversity-inclusion/)
**Published:** May 5, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion**
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is committed to equity, anti-racism, and justice. We know that food insecurity arises from overlapping and interdependent systems of oppression including race, gender, and economic inequity. These systems have been embedded in our public policies and culture since the founding of our nation, forging institutional barriers that create and perpetuate conditions that lead to poverty and hunger.
As we seek to understand our role in dismantling racial and other systemic inequities, we will work to center and uplift the voices and lived experiences of those — Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Latine, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQIA2S+ folx, single parents, and other marginalized identities — who most disproportionately experience hunger across our sixteen counties. And we will work to collaborate with and redistribute resources to communities with the lived experience of hunger and its root causes.
We know that anti-racist and systemic work takes time and that we will make mistakes along our journey. We will start by examining and addressing our own organizational culture and internal and external practices and policies. We take responsibility and accountability for cultivating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community.
---
**Our Role in Addressing the Root Causes of Hunger**
Second Harvest’s mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin cannot be accomplished solely by [distributing more food or partnering with more food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/record-food-distribution-day-so-close/) pantries. While these are essential services that help to alleviate temporary nutrition insecurity, food distribution is a part of solution, but it is not the sole remedy to ending hunger.
A comprehensive solution requires looking beyond the current landscape of hunger and understanding that there are root causes, many of which are related to economic issues. If policy makers, business leaders, and communities do not address providing access to affordable housing, health care, and thriving wages, then food insecurity rates will continue to remain largely unchanged.
In examining these root causes (as well as others), we see evidence that [food insecurity disproportionately impacts communities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/community-food-pantry/) of color because of systemic racism and discrimination. Racism and poverty contribute to a system that continues to maintain hunger rates around 10-12% of the U.S. population year after year. Enacting systemic change is necessary to dismantle the overlapping and interdependent systems of oppression that drive food insecurity.
As the largest [food bank in southwestern](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find_food/swcap-southwestern-food-pantry/) Wisconsin, our role in addressing the root causes of hunger is not inconsequential. One way we’re focusing on root causes is by shifting the narrative from an individual problem to a systemic one. Reframing the narrative can help our community more clearly see that effectively addressing the barriers to food access is dependent on policy and structural change.
We use our scale to effectuate an intentional alignment of our business and operational interests with partners, vendors, and collaborators that share our commitment to offering thriving wages and promoting racial equity. Notably, we have implemented criteria to leverage our purchasing power by prioritizing partnerships we have with values-aligned partners.
In 2022, we invested in a compensation study that led to the increase in our base pay to $20 an hour, and we offer new employees a stipend to help cover transition expenses that may arise from changes in health care, transportation, and domestic assistance. To help ensure we are continuously building an equitable culture through access and opportunity, our Vice President of Employee Engagement & Equity joined in 2023 and continues to be a critical voice in how we do not actively contribute to the root causes of hunger.
Second Harvest remains committed in continuing to understand, identify, and participate in addressing the root causes of hunger. We invite you to become involved by using your voice and visit our [Vote](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-voice-matters-be-a-voter/) and [Advocate](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/advocate/) pages, and check out [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/race-food-insecurity) and [Next Shift](https://thehungergap.org/next-shift/) where you can learn more about the importance of root cause work.
---
**Philosophy of Engagement with the Community**
Second Harvest works to fulfill our mission in Southwestern Wisconsin through partnerships and collaboration. We seek to do our work through meaningful relationships that advance community-identified priorities. These relationships center the voices of groups that are marginalized and value community wisdom and assets. We believe in community engagement that is respectful, culturally responsive and encourages a sense of civic identity for all.
---
**Accountability Updates**
Learn with us:
- [Systemic racism fuels food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/systemic-racism-fuels-food-insecurity/)
- [Juneteenth: Celebrating the End of Slavery](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/juneteenth-celebrating-the-end-of-slavery/)
- [Staff Reflection: Justified Anger, Black History for a New Day with Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/staff-reflection-justified-anger-black-history-for-a-new-day-with-nehemiah-center-for-urban-leadership/)
- [Martin Luther King Jr. Day](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/martin-luther-king-jr-day/)
- [Veteran’s Day – November 11](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/veterans-day-november-11/)
---
### [Food Sorting & Repack](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-sorting-repack/)
**Published:** June 11, 2025
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
### We’re looking for individuals and groups to join us for daily food repack shifts at our Madison distribution center.
Shifts are available Monday through Saturday, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Volunteers help sort, label, and repack food into family-friendly portions for neighbors across our 16-county service area. Tasks may include sorting fresh produce, labeling frozen pizza, or dividing 1,000 pounds of potatoes into easy-to-use 5-pound bags. Our volunteer projects are safe, well-organized, and led by our friendly and knowledgeable staff. No experience necessary!
[Sign up today!](https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=904084ba8a72baaf49-second&view=standard#/)
## What to Expect During Your Volunteer Shift at the Distribution Center
##### Before Your Shift
- Please remember these important food safety requirements before arriving for your shift.
- Closed-toed shoes and shirts with sleeves (short-sleeved or longer) are required to volunteer. Sandals, flip-flops, tank tops, etc., are not appropriate for our project rooms.
- Remove all jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, watches, and bracelets, ahead of your shift. Rings are allowed, as you will be wearing gloves.
- Print [this handout](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PreparingForYourVolunteerShift.pdf) before your shift to keep these reminders handy!
##### Sign In
- Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your shift start time to complete our volunteer sign-in process and attend our shift orientation.
- Our volunteer shifts start promptly to make every minute count! The shift orientation will include a brief overview of Second Harvest Foodbank and important [food safety information,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-safety-information/) so please be on time or let us know in advance if you are expected to be late.
- It’s better to leave purses, bags, backpacks, and other valuables in your vehicle, as we do not have a secure place to store them. If you need to bring your items inside, we have volunteer cubbies available in our breakroom, however, they do not have locks.
- Remove all jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, watches, and bracelets, ahead of your shift. Rings are allowed, as you will be wearing gloves.
##### During Your Shift
- Volunteer projects are completed while standing, lifting, and moving throughout the entire shift, and repetitive movements are common. A volunteer breakroom is available for your use anytime you need to take a break.
- If you need accommodations to participate, please contact Volunteer Services by emailing <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org> or calling 608.216.7214 before signing up. We may occasionally have a project that allows for modified or seated work!
- During your volunteer shift, you may partake in a variety of projects that ensure we can distribute fresh, healthy foods to our community. *Projects May Include:*
- Sorting food
- Labeling food
- Packaging bulk food into family-friendly portions
- Helping clean the work area after the project
##### Volunteer Community Agreement
The strength of our efforts to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin hinges on the exceptional [commitment of our community partners and volunteers](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-department-commitment-to-anti-discrimination-anti-racism/). A principal endeavor of Second Harvest Foodbank is to provide a safe, inclusive, and healthy atmosphere for all partners and collaborators, including volunteers and community members. Because of our commitment to safety and quality, we have created the following community agreement for all volunteers of Second Harvest Foodbank. By volunteering with Second Harvest you agree to the community expectations and will abide by the guidelines listed below.
**Our community expectations of volunteers are:**
1. Be respectful, kind, and courteous to everyone you engage with.
2. Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all volunteers, partners, and staff.
3. Do not volunteer if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell or any symptoms of a common cold.
4. Follow all warehouse protocols required by Second Harvest Foodbank- including wearing closed-toe shoes and shirts with sleeves, removing jewelry, wearing personal protective equipment.
5. Follow all food safety protocols required by Second Harvest Foodbank.
6. Follow all safety protocols required by Second Harvest Foodbank- including, but is not limited to proper lifting techniques, and appropriate use of pallets.
7. Record your volunteer hours for each shift through the appropriate sign-in system.
8. Wear a nametag when volunteering.
9. No tobacco use in the warehouse. This includes vape products.
10. Be on-time and responsible for completing your volunteer duties as agreed upon with the volunteer services coordinator.
11. Stay in contact with your supervisor and/or volunteer services coordinator with any questions/concerns regarding your volunteer experience.
12. Confidentiality of personal information is crucial. As a volunteer you agree that you will not disclose any confidential information received during the course of your volunteer assignment, during or at any time after the assignment has been completed.
13. We often snap photos of our volunteers & visitors at our sites. By volunteering on using your image and likeness as outlined in our [full photo release policy](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Photo-Release-Form.pdf).
14. Volunteer engagement is at will of Second Harvest Foodbank and may be ended at any time for any or no reason.
15. Report any accident or injury to the onsite Volunteer Coordinator or your direct supervisor as soon as possible.
##### Photo Release Policy
By volunteering I consent to the photographing of my person and property and the use of my photograph, name, likeness, voice, and words (“Photographs”) and grant to SHF and anyone authorized by them (collectively, “SHF and its agents”) permission to use, reproduce, display, broadcast, alter, modify, and/or copyright and renew all Photographs or likeness, taken by SHF or provided to SHF, for any purpose, including, but not limited to, use in advertising, promotional, public relations, educational and fundraising materials, all media, including, without limitation, in broadcast, cable, electronic and print media (“SHF Materials”), without limitations or compensation (such use being defined herein as the “Use”). I agree that the Photographs, images and likeness become the property of SHF, and may not be returned. I understand that SHF, shall own all rights and I waive any right to inspect or approve of my images use in SHF Materials. I understand that I will not have any rights of ownership. I understand that my photograph and likeness will not necessarily be used by virtue of this agreement.
For more information, see our complete [Photo Release Policy here](chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Photo-Release-Form.pdf).
##### Volunteer Cancellation Policy
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you are unable to make it to your scheduled volunteer shift. However, we ask that you let us know of your cancellation in advance to allow us to free your spot for another volunteer to sign up. You can contact Volunteer Services at <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org> or call [608-216-7214](call:6082167214) to notify us of your cancellation, or remove yourself directly from the [Sign Up Genius](https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=904084ba8a72baaf49-second&view=standard#/) schedule.
**By signing up to volunteer at Second Harvest Foodbank you are agreeing to our volunteer cancellation policy and will abide by the guidelines below.**
1. **Individual volunteers** must inform Second Harvest of their cancellation at least **12-24 hours** before their scheduled shift or remove their reservation on Sign Up Genius. If an individual volunteer repeatedly fails to show up for their scheduled shift without notifying us, we will notify them and remove them from the volunteer schedule.
2. **If you are the organizer of a group**, please notify Second Harvest if there is a change in the number of volunteers scheduled, or if you need to cancel **1 week** before your scheduled volunteer date.
3. All volunteers participating in a group are expected to commit to the entirety of the shift that the organization has scheduled unless we are notified in advance.
##### Covid-19 Policies
Masks are optional and available at our front desk at Second Harvest facilities. This is in alignment with our commitment to following CDC guidelines.
You are invited to review the [Second Harvest COVID Protocol](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUqFGiIjL1yvYcutwt2Uc6LeyUSpWgA2HoUrXjSXkCg/edit) ahead of your shift.
##### Resources to Deepen Your Volunteer Experience
- **We at Second Harvest encourage you to reflect on your experience and use the resources below to further your connection to the community:**
- [Connecting the Cause](https://www.connectingthecause.com/)
- [Morgridge Center for Public Service: Community Engagement Preparation Resources](https://morgridge.wisc.edu/students-get-connected/community-engagement-preparation-resources/)
- [TED Talk: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them](https://www.ted.com/talks/verna_myers_how_to_overcome_our_biases_walk_boldly_toward_them?language=en)
- [University of Memphis’ Comparison Between Asset and Deficit Based Approaches](https://www.memphis.edu/ess/module4/page3.php)
- **Educate yourself and others about food insecurity and food systems.**
- **Food insecurity is a complex issue that isn’t always easy to solve. We’ve linked some resources to help you learn more and reflect on the ways our communities can tackle hunger:**
- - [Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap](https://map.feedingamerica.org/)
- [Feeding Wisconsin’s State of Hunger](https://www.feedingwi.org/hunger/state_of_hunger.php)
- [Hunger Stats](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hungers-impact/hunger-stats)
-
- **Support community through other pathways to service:**
- - Second Harvest recognizes that the opportunity to volunteer is not available to everyone in our community. We also thank those that choose to help end food insecurity by means of community organizing, advocacy, philanthropy, voting, and self-education.
## Important Reminders
- Closed-toe shoes and shirts with sleeves are required to volunteer.
- Jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc., must be removed before your volunteer shift begins.
- Volunteers must be 12 years or older, and volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their shift. For every 5 youth, 1 adult should plan to volunteer with the group. To ensure safety, this policy is not flexible.
- No drop-in volunteers are permitted.
- For your safety, do not use earbuds or MP3s, Bluetooth devices, etc., while volunteering. You need to be able to hear what’s happening around you.
- Food or drink should not be consumed in the volunteer project area, though our break room is available for your use.
- No tobacco use is permitted in the building, however, we have a dedicated smoke area outside.
- Face masks are optional and available at the front desk.
  
## Connect With Us!
Still have questions or unsure where to start? Contact Brie McNett, our Volunteer Services Coordinator, or [sign up for a volunteer orientation and tour!](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084BA8A72BAAF49-volunteer#/)
 **Brie McNett**
she/her/hers
Volunteer Services Coordinator
[608-216-7214](tel:608-216-7214) [ volunteers@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:volunteers@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [WMTV Share Your Holidays Fund and Food Drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/nbc15-share-your-holidays-fund-and-food-drive/)
**Published:** October 6, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Fund and Food Drive!
**Due to the high demand for NBC15 Share Your Holidays barrels, we have committed our supply of campaign barrels for this year. But, don’t let that stop you from holding a fund & food drive to support the campaign!**
If you really want to collect food for the campaign, get creative with a receptacle you can use from your home or office. Large boxes, children’s wagons, or put out a bunch of empty paper grocery bags in your lunchroom and [challenge your staff to fill them with non-perishable food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/). Anything that can hold food will make a difference in our community!
If collecting food isn’t as important to you, you can also support the campaign by doing a virtual food drive where you ask your friends and family to make an online donation to the campaign. The reality is that you can make a bigger impact by giving to Second Harvest than by using that same to buy [food from a local](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/rural-wisconsin-needs-localized-help-with-food-struggles-experts-say/) grocer and donating it. Visit [SecondHarvestMadison.org/SYHVirtual](/SYHVirtual) to sign up for your virtual food drive.
Please, still let us know you’re [hosting a drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/) by completing this form so we can send important updates and resources.
## NBC15 Share Your Holidays Fund & Food Drive Registration Form
Organization Name
Primary Contact(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Phone(Required)
Organization Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Mailing Address (if different than physical address) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Fund and Food Drive Start Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Fund and Food Drive End Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
What kind of drive will you host?(Required)Fund and Food Drive (in-person and virtual)Food Drive (in person)Virtual Food Drive
Additional comments:
Submit
---
### [More Info - Donating and Volunteering](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-info-donating-volunteering/)
**Published:** November 22, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Thank you for requesting more information about donating to Second Harvest. We have a variety of ways for you to make a donation:
## Donating
- To make a one-time online donation, click [Donate Now](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-donate-webinquery)
- To become a monthly donor, click [Become A Monthly Donor](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336342/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB_WebInquiry_BecomeAMonthlyDonor)
- To learn more about giving by mail, giving through stocks, IRA’s, and Donor Advised Funds, or planned giving, endowments, or in honor of someone, click [Additional Ways to Give](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-gift-makes-a-big-difference/) and use the menu on the left side of the page
If you need additional assistance, please email <donor.support@secondharvestsw.org> or call 608-216-7202. Thank you!
Thank you for wanting to learn more about volunteering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Without our volunteers, Second Harvest – along with our partner [food providers – could not meet](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/opinion-innovation-key-to-meeting-wisconsins-food-security-challenges/) the needs of thousands of people who face hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
## Volunteering
For information on **volunteering** click [Volunteer](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer/).
- Once on that page, you can learn about how to [sign up to volunteer](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084ba8a72baaf49-second#/), [group and individual volunteer opportunities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-opportunities/), our volunteer department’s [anti-racist policies](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-department-commitment-to-anti-discrimination-anti-racism/), and find our [application for ongoing volunteer opportunities](https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1816699944)
If you would like more information or assistance than what is available on the website, please email <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org>, or call 608-223-9121 and ask for our Volunteer Coordinator.
We look forward to having you volunteer with us!
---
### [Host a Drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
By hosting a drive, you’ll help get more food into the homes of our neighbors while raising awareness about local food insecurity. Raising funds and donating food to Second Harvest Foodbank advances our vision, ensuring that everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive. We’re grateful for the support of businesses, schools, congregations, organizations, and individuals who partner with us to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
## Be a Fundraiser
Fund drives allow us to support more people, more efficiently. Each $10 donation can provide up to 25 meals for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Host a [fund drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/all-city-swim-and-dive-food-and-fund-drive/) to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone in your life, or bring a group together to support our shared community. The funds you raise help provide fresh, nutritious foods like produce, dairy, and protein that cannot be collected during a traditional food drive.
1. Set up your team and challenge your family, friends, and colleagues to donate.
2. Track your progress, set goals, and manage your virtual giving page.
3. Share your progress to encourage ongoing engagement and meet your goal!
If you are interested in hosting a fund drive, please [fill out the form below.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/#Form)
## Host a Food Drive
Want collect non-perishable food donations? You can do that too!
Hosting a [food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-drive-marketing-toolkit/) is a tangible way to give back to the community, but we’d like to emphasize that your monetary contribution will go much further in ending hunger. If you are interested in hosting a food drive, please [fill out the form below](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/#Form).
**Additional Resources**
- **[Most needed non-perishable food items poster (English)](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/051722_Most-Needed-Donations_English.pdf)**
- **[Most needed non-perishable food items poster (Spanish)](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/051722_Most-Needed-Donations_Spanish.pdf)**
- Learn how food donors receive [**protection from liability**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donor-liability-protection/)
## Host a Drive Registration Form
Use this form to connect with us on your drive! Whether you are collecting food, funds, or both – we are here to help and will contact you within 2 business days of your submission!
I am interested in hosting a(Required) Fund Drive (Fundraise for Second Harvest)
Food Drive (Collect non-perishable food for Second Harvest)
Both Fund and Food Drive
Is this drive part of our Share Your Holidays campaign (November 9 – December 14)?(Required) Yes
No
Note: Anyone registering for Share Your Holidays after October 20 will need to pick up their barrels directly from our Distribution Center. For questions, please contact our Community Giving Coordinator, David Heinrich, at david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org.
How many Share Your Holidays collection barrels do you need?(Required)
Organization Name(Required)
Primary Contact(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Phone(Required)
Organization Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Mailing Address (if different than physical address) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Drive Start Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Drive End Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Additional comments:
### Food Drive: Collection Barrel Request
If you are hosting a food drive for Second Harvest and would like a barrel to collect food; please, fill out this section. Barrels are not required to host a food drive. Use your own boxes, bins, and bags as a great substitute!
Number of barrels requestedPlease enter a number from 0 to **10**.
You may pick up and drop off barrels at 2802 Dairy Dr., Madison WI 53718, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Barrels are 55-gallon drums, which are 35 in. tall and 22 in. in diameter. Each barrel weighs 12 lbs. when empty.
Date you wish to pick-up barrel(s)
Date you wish to drop-off barrel(s)
Submit
### Have questions?
Connect with us!
 Elissa Pollack
she \| her \| hers
Director of Development
[608-333-0095](tel:608-333-0095) [ elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Agency Partners](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/agency-partners/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Agency Partners
At Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, we achieve our mission through our programs and our network of agency partners who run hunger-relief initiatives in the [16-counties](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/011822-Service-Area-Map.pdf) we support. Our partners and programs are diverse, but they share a common goal: to provide access to nutritious and culturally relevant food to their community.
For the Partners & Programs Department, please call [608-216-7240](tel:608-216-7240).
[ Learn About Partners & Programs](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-partners/)
[  Become a Partner Agency Interested in partnering with Second Harvest? Building partnerships is key to building equitable food access. Help get more nutritious food to our shared community by partnering with us.
Learn More About Partnership
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/)
[  Partner Portal Login Current partner and programs: login to access your online account, delivery information, reporting. training and resources.
Access My Partner Account
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/partners-programs/)
[  Find a Partner Agency Near You We have over 300 partner agencies and programs in our service area, find one close to you.
Partner Agency Map
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
---
### [WMTV Share Your Holidays Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wmtv-share-your-holidays-marketing-toolkit/)
**Published:** October 13, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Take your fundraising to the next level with the WMTV Share Your Holidays Marketing Toolkit! Whether you’re hosting a food drive, organizing a community event, or rallying your team for a cause, our toolkit gives you all the resources you need to spread the word and make a real impact this holiday season. Don’t forget to visit our [WMTV Share Your Holidays webpage](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/syh/) for key dates and campaign updates!
---
## Posters
Campaign Posters
[  WMTV 15 News Poster – Morning Anchors! 11″ x 17″
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WMTV_SYH2025Poster_Morning-1.pdf)
[  WMTV 15 News Poster – Evening Anchors! 11″ x 17″
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WMTV_SYH2025Poster_Evening-1.pdf)
[  Fund Drive Poster Boost your team’s fundraising—add your unique QR code, print your poster, and display it proudly!
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-SYH-QR-Code-Poster.pdf)
[  Most Needed Items (English) Educate your drive participants on what to bring.
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Most_Needed_Items_En.pdf)
[  Most Needed Items (Spanish) Educate your drive participants on what to bring.
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Most_Needed_Items_Esp.pdf)
[  Food Collection Sign Add collection points throughout your space with this 11″ x 8.5″ sign!
Download Poster
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-SYH-Collection-Sign-8.5x11.pdf)
---
## Social Media / Community Engagement Assets
Right-click and save the image to download, and please feel free to copy and paste the post language provided!
**Facebook Cover Photo**
**LinkedIn Cover Photo**
**Facebook & LinkedIn Post:**
We’re supporting the @WMTV15News Share Your Holidays [fund and food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/) to benefit @SecondHarvestSW. Food insecurity affects nearly 147,000 of our neighbors in southwestern Wisconsin. When we nourish our community, everyone thrives.
\#ShareYourHolidays #NourishFirst #PowerOfONE #30Years
**X Cover Photo**
**X Post**:
We’re supporting the @WMTV15News Share Your Holidays [fund and food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/) to benefit @SecondHarvestSW. Food insecurity affects nearly 147,000 of our neighbors in southwestern Wisconsin. When we nourish our community, everyone thrives.
\#ShareYourHolidays #NourishFirst #PowerOfONE #30Years
**Instagram Post:**
We’re supporting the @WMTV15News Share Your Holidays [fund and food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/) to benefit @SecondHarvestSW. Food insecurity affects nearly 147,000 of our neighbors in southwestern Wisconsin. When we nourish our community, everyone thrives.
\#ShareYourHolidays #NourishFirst #PowerOfONE #30Years
---
## Fast Facts
Weave these stats into your messaging throughout your drive to encourage participation!
- Nearly 147,000 of our neighbors in southwestern Wisconsin face hunger.
- Each month, over 55,000 visits are made by local families to food pantries, mobile pantries, and school markets.
- Every $20 you give provides 5 bags of groceries to a family right here in southwestern Wisconsin.
- In FY2024, 64% of the food Second Harvest distributed was fresh produce, canned vegetables, fruits, dairy, or high-protein foods. This is made possible, in part, by our donor’s generous contributions.
---
### [Campaigns, Events, & Drives for Nutrition Security](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/campaigns-and-events-for-nutrition-security/)
**Published:** August 9, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
#### Explore exciting opportunities to support Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, including how to host your own fund or food drive!
## Current & Upcoming Campaigns
 Read More
### Food Fight Against Hunger
April
 Read More
### Stamp Out Hunger®
Second Saturday in May
 Read More
### Adopt a Dairy Cow
June
 Read More
### All-City Swim and Dive: Food & Fund Drive
June – July
 Read More
### Hunger Action Month
September
 Read More
### WMTV Share Your Holidays
November – December
X 
April
### Food Fight Against Hunger
During the month of April, we are partnering with Food Fight Restaurant Group for Food Fight Against Hunger! They have handcrafted special menus from their restaurants, free recipes from their talented chefs, and loads of delicious content, all while raising funds to support access to nutritious food for people experiencing hunger in our community.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/)
X 
Second Saturday in May
### Stamp Out Hunger®
Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.
[Learn More](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/582897/#!/donation/checkout)
X 
June
### Adopt a Dairy Cow
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin developed the Adopt a Dairy Cow program in 2014 to help address the shortage of milk donations. Since it’s inception, the program has helped provide over 300,000 gallons of milk to our neighbors facing nutrition insecurity in southwestern Wisconsin.
[Learn More](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/563692/donate)
X 
June – July
### All-City Swim and Dive: Food & Fund Drive
Each summer, 13 Madison-area swim & dive teams compete to make strengthen our community with access to nutritious food. This is a fun way for them to team-build through fundraising and food collection, and gain volunteer experience that gives back to our community. Since 2008, the league has provided more than 1.9 million meals with their combined efforts!
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/events/july-all-city-swim-meet/)
X 
September
### Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of [hunger and encourage people to take action](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/2023-hunger-action-month-calendar/) towards supporting those facing hunger and address the systemic inequities that can lead to someone being food insecure. Everyone deserves to have access to enough nutritious food to thrive. This September, let’s all take action towards making that vision a reality!
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-action-month/)
X 
November – December
### WMTV Share Your Holidays
Since 1996, WMTV’s Share Your Holidays campaign has become the Midwest’s largest food and fund drive. Each year hundreds of generous individuals, businesses, teams, and partners all come together to support our neighbors facing food insecurity.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/syh/)
## Be a Fundraiser
Fund drives allow us the flexibility to meet the needs of our partners and neighbors. Every $10 donated to Second Harvest provides up to $24 in groceries! Through a combination of donated food, volunteer support, and purchasing food at wholesale prices, we’re able to make dollars go farther. Host a [fund drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/envira/twitter-fund-drive-marketing-toolkit/) to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone in your life, or bring a group together to support our shared community. The funds you raise help provide fresh, nutritious foods like produce, dairy, and protein that cannot be collected during a traditional food drive.
1. Set up your fund drive page and challenge your family, friends, and colleagues to donate!
2. Track your progress, set goals, and manage your virtual giving page.
3. Share your progress to encourage ongoing engagement and meet your goal!
Our [Fund Drive Coordinator Instructions](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fund-Drive-Coordinator-Instructions-2024.03.26.pdf) will help you build your online fund drive page and give you creative ideas to inspire your community to give.
Use our [Fund Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/fund-drive-marketing-toolkit/) to promote your drive! We’ve compiled posters, social media graphics, a list of most needed items, and helpful talking points to assist you in telling the story of the work Second Harvest does, and your connection to our mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
[Set Up Your Fund Drive](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/fund-drive/c336178)
## Host a Food Drive
Want to collect non-perishable food donations? You can do that too! Hosting a [food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/) is a tangible way to give back to the community. Register your drive using the link below!
**Additional Resources**
- Use our [Food Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-drive-marketing-toolkit/) to promote your drive! We’ve compiled posters, social media graphics, a list of most needed items, and helpful talking points to assist you in telling the story of the work Second Harvest does, and your connection to our mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- Learn how food donors receive [**protection from liability**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donor-liability-protection/)
[Register Your Food Drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/campaigns-and-events-for-nutrition-security/#drive)
## Connect with us!
 **Elissa Pollack** she \| her \| hers
Director of Development
[608-333-0095](tel:608-333-0095) [ elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:elissa.pollack@secondharvestsw.org)
## Host a Drive Registration Form
Use this form to connect with us on your drive! Whether you are collecting food, funds, or both – we are here to help and will contact you within 2 business days of your submission!
I am interested in hosting a(Required) Fund Drive (Fundraise for Second Harvest)
Food Drive (Collect non-perishable food for Second Harvest)
Both Fund and Food Drive
Is this drive part of our Share Your Holidays campaign (November 9 – December 14)?(Required) Yes
No
Note: Anyone registering for Share Your Holidays after October 20 will need to pick up their barrels directly from our Distribution Center. For questions, please contact our Community Giving Coordinator, David Heinrich, at david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org.
How many Share Your Holidays collection barrels do you need?(Required)
Organization Name(Required)
Primary Contact(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Phone(Required)
Organization Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Mailing Address (if different than physical address) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Drive Start Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Drive End Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Additional comments:
### Food Drive: Collection Barrel Request
If you are hosting a food drive for Second Harvest and would like a barrel to collect food; please, fill out this section. Barrels are not required to host a food drive. Use your own boxes, bins, and bags as a great substitute!
Number of barrels requestedPlease enter a number from 0 to **10**.
You may pick up and drop off barrels at 2802 Dairy Dr., Madison WI 53718, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Barrels are 55-gallon drums, which are 35 in. tall and 22 in. in diameter. Each barrel weighs 12 lbs. when empty.
Date you wish to pick-up barrel(s)
Date you wish to drop-off barrel(s)
Submit
**Are you hosting a public event to benefit Second Harvest and our network?**
**[Let us know!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/contact-us/)**
---
### [Food Support Qualification Guidelines](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/food-support-qualification-guidelines/)
**Published:** January 22, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
No identification, proof of income, residency, citizenship, or other documentation is required at Second Harvest Foodbank food distribution sites, including mobile pantries.
Some of our partners distribute food not sourced from Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, including from the USDA/Federal government. These partners may be required to request data and/or identification to provide access to this food, however any food supplied by Second Harvest can and will be made available regardless of these requirements. Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin participates in the federally [funded food](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/2024-wmtv-share-your-holidays-food-fund-drive-survey/) program, TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), which is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. [Click here to learn more.](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/nutrition/tefap/index.htm)
Support from Second Harvest Foodbank is available to everyone, no questions asked. Food is available without having to answer any questions. Sometimes, people’s ability to thrive doesn’t match the income requirements for government help, similar to what the United Way of Wisconsin’s [ALICE Report](https://www.unitedwaywi.org/page/ALICE) found. We trust that people know their own situation best, and can get food from us without having to tell us that they need it without verbal or written declaration of need.
---
### [Host Your Own Drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/start-a-drive/)
**Published:** September 30, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
Food and fund drives are powerful ways to support Second Harvest and raise awareness about hunger in our community. Hosting a fund drive is one of the most effective ways to help—your fundraising dollars allow us to purchase exactly what’s needed at wholesale prices, getting more food to more people. Food drives play a vital role by helping us stock our most-needed items and engaging the community in a hands-on way to end hunger together.
## Be a Fundraiser
Fund drives allow us to support more people, more efficiently. **Every donated to Second Harvest can provide up to 5 bags of groceries for our neighbors experiencing [food insecurity](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-second-harvest-mark-anniversary-of-initiative-to-address-food-insecurity-as-new-wave-of-need-begins/).** The funds you raise help provide fresh, nutritious [foods like produce,](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/dane-county-farms-support-food-pantries-with-fresh-produce/) dairy, and protein that cannot be collected during a traditional food drive.
1. Set up your fund drive page and challenge your family, friends, and colleagues to donate!
2. Track your progress, set goals, and manage your virtual giving page.
3. Share your progress to encourage ongoing engagement and meet your goal!
Our [Fund Drive Coordinator Instructions](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fund-Drive-Coordinator-Instructions-1.pdf) will help you build your online fund drive page and give you creative ideas to inspire your community to give.
Use our [Fund Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/fund-drive-marketing-toolkit/) to promote your drive! We’ve compiled posters, social media graphics, a list of most needed items, and helpful talking points to assist you in telling the story of the work Second Harvest does, and your connection to our mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
[Set Up Your Fund Drive](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/campaign/fund-drive/c336178)
## Host a Food Drive
Want to collect non-perishable food donations? You can do that too! Hosting a [food drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/july-all-city-swim-meet/) is a tangible way to give back to the community. Register your drive using the form below!
**Additional Resources**
- Use our [Food Drive Marketing Toolkit](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-drive-marketing-toolkit/) to promote your drive! We’ve compiled posters, social media graphics, a list of most needed items, and helpful talking points to assist you in telling the story of the work Second Harvest does, and your connection to our mission of ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
- Learn how food donors receive [**protection from liability**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donor-liability-protection/)
## Host a Drive Registration Form
Use this form to connect with us on your drive! Whether you are collecting food, funds, or both – we are here to help and will contact you within 2 business days of your submission!
I am interested in hosting a(Required) Fund Drive (Fundraise for Second Harvest)
Food Drive (Collect non-perishable food for Second Harvest)
Both Fund and Food Drive
Is this drive part of our Share Your Holidays campaign (November 9 – December 14)?(Required) Yes
No
Note: Anyone registering for Share Your Holidays after October 20 will need to pick up their barrels directly from our Distribution Center. For questions, please contact our Community Giving Coordinator, David Heinrich, at david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org.
How many Share Your Holidays collection barrels do you need?(Required)
Organization Name(Required)
Primary Contact(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Phone(Required)
Organization Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Mailing Address (if different than physical address) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Drive Start Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Drive End Date(Required) Month
Day
Year
Additional comments:
### Food Drive: Collection Barrel Request
If you are hosting a food drive for Second Harvest and would like a barrel to collect food; please, fill out this section. Barrels are not required to host a food drive. Use your own boxes, bins, and bags as a great substitute!
Number of barrels requestedPlease enter a number from 0 to **10**.
You may pick up and drop off barrels at 2802 Dairy Dr., Madison WI 53718, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Barrels are 55-gallon drums, which are 35 in. tall and 22 in. in diameter. Each barrel weighs 12 lbs. when empty.
Date you wish to pick-up barrel(s)
Date you wish to drop-off barrel(s)
Submit
## Connect with us!
 **David Heinrich**
he \| him \| his
Community Giving Coordinator
[(608) 216-7205](tel:(608)%20216-7205) [ david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:david.heinrich@secondharvestsw.org)
---
### [Our Approach](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-approach/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## We exist to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin
Our work at Second Harvest brings food to our shared community. It is through partnerships and collaboration that we are able to meet the nutritional needs of our neighbors facing hunger. Additionally, as part of the food system, we are able to reduce waste by rescuing fresh, safe, and edible food that would otherwise be lost and put it straight into the hands of neighbors who can benefit from it.
- **Food Rescue and Storage**
Each year we acquire and store tens of millions of pounds of food from local and regional farmers, food manufacturers, and grocers, which allows us to reduce food waste, turning excess into access.
- **Food Distribution**
Through our powerful network of nearly 300 partners and programs, we distribute more than 20 million pounds of nutritious and culturally responsive food throughout 16 counties every year.
- **FoodShare Advocacy**
In Wisconsin, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered as FoodShare. Approximately 700,000 Wisconsinites receive FoodShare support, and eligibility is determined by a variety of factors including the income and expenses of a household. *To find out if you may be eligible for FoodShare, you can:*
- Call the toll-free FoodShare Helpline at [1-877-366-3635](tel:1.877.366.3635)
- Submit an application online through [Wisconsin Department of Health Services](https://access.wi.gov/s/account-creation?language=en_US&landingPage=afb)
## Beyond food
 Mobilizing the Public We create awareness that helps our community understand the implications of hunger and how we provide support.
 Nutrition Education Our staff includes specialists with experience in supporting community, K-12, college, family, and child initiatives and programs.
 Community & Partner Voice To help center the lived experiences of our neighbors, our team regularly surveys community members and food pantry partners.
---
### [Publications & Financials](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/annual-reports-financials/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Annual Reports
[2025 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/020625_Extended5pg_AnnualReportFINAL.pdf) [2024 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FY2024_AnnualReport.pdf) [2023 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AnnualReportFY23.pdf) [2022 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FY22-Annual-Report.pdf) [2021 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/050322_FY21AnnualReport_FINAL.pdf) [2020 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FY20-Annual-Report-Web-Resolution.pdf) [2019 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FY19-Annual-Report_FINAL_Pages_Web2.pdf) [2018 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FY18-Annual-Report.pdf) [2017 Annual Report](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FY17-Annual-Report_Pages_FINAL_Web.pdf)
## Financials
[Fiscal Year 2025 – 990](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Second-Harvest-2024-Form-990-Public-Disclosure-Copy.pdf) [Fiscal Year 2025 – Audited Financials](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-FS.pdf) [Fiscal Year 2024 – 990](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Second-Harvest-2023-Form-990-Public-Disclosure-Copy.pdf) [Fiscal Year 2024 – Audited Financials](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-FS_2024.pdf) [Fiscal Year 2023 – 990](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Second-Harvest-2022-Form-990-Public-Disclosure-Copy.pdf) [Fiscal Year 2023 – Audited financials](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Second-Harvest-Foodbank-FS.pdf)
## Strategic Plan & Values
[Strategic Plan](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Full-Strategic-Plan.pdf) [Values](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/091422_ValuesOneSheeter.pdf)
---
### [Food Fight Against Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodfight/)
**Published:** March 23, 2022
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
#### Help us raise $20,000 to nourish our community!
During the month of April, we are partnering with Food Fight Restaurant Group for Food Fight Against Hunger! They have handcrafted special menus from their restaurants, specialty drinks, and loads of delicious content, all while raising funds to support access to nutritious food for people experiencing hunger in our community.
[Find a Food Fight Restaurant](#Find-A-Food-Fight-Restaurant)
Menus Provide Meals
Giving back is easy… just eat! All Food Fight restaurants have created special Food Fight Against Hunger Menus for the month that have a donation baked right in to each item—so it’s easy to donate, just order from a Food Fight Against Hunger Menu at any Food Fight Restaurant!
Check Out the Menus
Dine & Donate
Add to your dine-in bill by filling out the donation line at the bottom of your receipt. Or, phone in a carryout order and ask your order-taker to include a donation with your total.
You can also order through delivery apps! Special menu items will still count toward the donation total.
Cheers for Charity
3 Sheeps Brewing is brewing a special beer to help raise money for Second Harvest, only available at Food Fight restaurants! The beer is labeled Worth the Stay IPA and will donate $1 from every beer sold.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is proud to provide continued support to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin with a generous donation of $5,000.
Other Ways to Get Involved
[Follow us](https://www.instagram.com/secondharvestsw/) and [Food Fight Restaurant Group](https://www.instagram.com/foodfightrestaurantgroup/) on Instagram to stay connected and inspired throughout the campaign. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes content, highlights from participating restaurants, and updates on Food Fight Against Hunger menu items—so you can see the impact happening every day.
### If there’s a cuisine you’re craving, Food Fight has a restaurant that will keep you coming back for more!
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner captures the charm of a 1950s diner, while just down the street, Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace brings the flavors of the Southwest to life in an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Austin. Johnny Delmonico’s is one of Madison’s premier steakhouses, and The Coopers Tavern is renowned for having one of the best selections of beer and whiskey in the city. Cento blends old-world Italian traditions with modern culinary techniques, and if you’re craving Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Luigi’s for an authentic experience.
## Select a restaurant below to preview their unique menu:
 Read More
### Aldo’s Cafe
330 N Orchard Street
 Read More
### Bar Corallini
2004 Atwood Avenue
 Read More
### Bassett Street Brunch Club
444 W Johnson Street
 Read More
### Canteen
111 S Hamilton Street
 Read More
### Cento
122 W Mifflin Street
 Read More
### The Coopers Tavern
20 W Mifflin Street
 Read More
### Craftsman Table & Tap
6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue
 Read More
### Everly
2701 Monroe Street
 Read More
### Hubbard Avenue Diner
7445 Hubbard Avenue
 Read More
### Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse
130 S Pinckney Street
 Read More
### Luigi’s Pizza
515 S Midvale Boulevard
 Read More
### Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Avenue
 Read More
### Steenbock’s On Orchard
330 N Orchard Street
 Read More
-
### Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace
2009 Atwood Avenue
 Read More
### HWY1 Baja Bowls & Burritos
2701 Monroe St #250
X 
330 N Orchard Street
### Aldo’s Cafe
**330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715**
**[See full menu](https://www.aldoscafemadison.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
2004 Atwood Avenue
### Bar Corallini
**2004 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704**
**[See full menu](https://www.barcorallini.com/menus/#/food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
444 W Johnson Street
### Bassett Street Brunch Club
**444 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53716**
**[See full menu](https://www.brunchclubmadison.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
111 S Hamilton Street
### Canteen
**111 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703**
**[See full menu](https://www.canteentaco.com/menus/#/food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
122 W Mifflin Street
### Cento
**122 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703**
**[See full menu](https://www.centomadison.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-menu)**
X 
20 W Mifflin Street
### The Coopers Tavern
**20 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703**
**[See full menu](https://www.thecooperstavern.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue
### Craftsman Table & Tap
**6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave, Middleton, WI 53562**
**[See full menu](https://www.craftsmantableandtap.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-menu)**
X 
2701 Monroe Street
### Everly
2701 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711
**[See full menu](https://www.everlymadison.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-copy)**
X 
7445 Hubbard Avenue
### Hubbard Avenue Diner
**7445 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562**
**[See full menu](https://www.hubbardavenuediner.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-menu)**
X 
130 S Pinckney Street
### Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse
**130 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703**
**[See full menu](https://www.johnnydelmonicos.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
515 S Midvale Boulevard
### Luigi’s Pizza
**515 S Midvale Blvd STE 1, Madison, WI 53711**
[**See full menu**](https://www.luigismadison.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-menu)
X 
2089 Atwood Avenue
### Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
**2089 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704**
**[See full menu](https://www.montysblueplatediner.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
330 N Orchard Street
### Steenbock’s On Orchard
330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715
[See full menu](https://www.steenbocksonorchard.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger-menu)
X 
2009 Atwood Avenue
### Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace
**2009 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704**
**[See full menu](https://www.textubbstacos.com/menus/#food-fight-against-hunger)**
X 
2701 Monroe St #250
### HWY1 Baja Bowls & Burritos
2701 Monroe St #250
[See full menu](https://www.hwy1restaurant.com/menus/)
### Find a Food Fight Restaurant!
Use the interactive map below to explore Food Fight restaurants in your neighborhood!
### **Thank you to our friends at Food Fight Restaurant Group for their support!**
[](https://www.foodfightinc.com/)
---
### [Our History](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/our-story/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
Second Harvest Foodbank began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. Since our doors opened we have helped provide nearly 286 million meals to those facing hunger. Here’s how we’ve grown over the years:
## 1980’s
- **1986** Doors of Southern Wisconsin Regional Foodbank, Inc. opened March 17
- **1986** 75 member agencies
- **1986** Our first refrigerated truck is donated by Oscar Mayer
- **1988** We become a United Way participating agency
## 1990’s
- **1994** Our name changed to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
- **1995** 1.5 million pounds of food is distributed to over 150 member agencies
- **1996** Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin begins operations at the new warehouse at our current location, 2802 Dairy Drive in Madison
- **1996** In partnership with NBC anchor Mike McKinney, the first WMTV Share Your Holidays campaign takes place
- **1999** Second Harvest launches our first Kid’s Cafe
## 2000’s
- **2004** Our first Mobile Pantry is held at Lincoln School in Madison
- **2005** The BackPack Program is started in the Evansville School District in partnership with the Community Action Aware program
- **2007** Warehouse addition completed
- **2009** FoodShare Outreach launches
## 2010’s
- **2012** Field to Foodbank launches
- **2014** HungerCare & School Market Program launches
- **2016** Diabetes wellness program launches
- **2017** Second expansion of Distribution Center located at 2802 Dairy Drive in Madison
## 2020’s
- **2020** The [Food 4 Thought Initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/youth-and-family-initiatives/) and other MMSD School Markets merge with Second Harvest
- **2020** COVID pandemic response includes launch of [Farm to Foodbank Initiative](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/f2f/) with Dane County support
- **2025** Surpassed 300 million pounds of food distributed since opening our doors in 1986
- **2025** An innovative digital wallet program called [Harvest Wallet](https://www.channel3000.com/news/second-harvest-foodbank-launches-harvest-wallet-program-to-combat-hunger/article_a50fe1d9-9cf5-4bd2-b396-d3eb5bed9816.html) is piloted to support families with school-age children
---
### [Find Food Resources](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-help/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Find Food Near You
A searchable map of food resources including Second Harvest partner agencies as well as Second Harvest mobile pantries.
[Find A Pantry Near Me ](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
## Mobile Pantries
Mobile Pantries are a supplemental source of food for households experiencing nutrition insecurity whose nutrition needs are not being met. Mobile Pantries all operate on a scheduled, recurring basis with immediate distribution to participants upon delivery. All participants who attend an Mobile Pantry receive food until all food is distributed.
[See Our Mobile Pantry Schedule](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/)
## FoodShare Program
FoodShare Outreach Specialists work to ensure that community members who are eligible are aware of the resource and have assistance completing the application if they desire.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program/)
“I feel like I’ve got a purpose in life again,” said Sandy. “What I can’t use, I find someone who can use it. We get some very good food, nothing goes to waste. A lot of people by me are in their 80s, they don’t drive anymore, so I do it for them. I don’t know what they would do if they didn’t get this food. It would be a lot harder for me and a lot of people (without this mobile).”
---
### [Calendar](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/calendar/)
**Published:** August 7, 2025
**Author:** Support Elevation
**Content:**
---
### [My Partner Story](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mypartnerstory/)
**Published:** April 11, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
The impact of our partnership is not simply measured in numbers; it is also measured in the difference being made in the lives of those who seek support and the volunteers who are critical to our work. To submit your story, fill out the form below. You may submit as many stories as you’d like (one per form submission). Thank you for helping us tell their stories!
## **Important information about submitted stories:**
- Stories may be used in a variety of ways, from social media and newsletters to community presentations, direct mail, and more.
- If we use a story you submit, it will be attributed by first name of guest/volunteer and county.
- You will have the chance to review and approve your interview answers before they are used.
- You can request that your story stop being used at any time.
---
- Your Name: First Last
- Your Email:
- Partner/Agency/Program Name:
- County:ADAMSCOLUMBIACRAWFORDDANEDODGEGRANTGREENIOWAJEFFERSONJUNEAULAFAYETTEMONROERICHLANDROCKSAUKVERNON
- Type of Story (choose one):
- Guest
- Volunteer
-
- Guest/Volunteer First Name:
- Guest/Volunteer Back Story:
- How your agency/program provided support:
- Guest/Volunteer Response or Reaction (if any):
Submit
---
### [Subscribe to The Inside SCOOP!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/)
**Published:** October 7, 2024
**Author:** Jessamine Burch
**Content:**
Connect with us and keep up to date on how your support is helping end hunger in our community! Stay in-the-know about upcoming events, ways to help our neighbors, and more.
Name First Last
Email
Submit
## Why subscribe?
Exciting developments are always underway, and we want to keep you informed!
#### Hear directly from our President & Executive Director
Michelle Orge will provide a quarterly update on the innovations, collaborations, and progress we’re making towards ending hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
#### Explore participant and partner stories
Get to know the individuals in our community who are making a difference and working toward food security.
#### Learn about events and campaigns
Our newsletter is a great place to learn how you can participate in unique experiences that support and build community.
#### Dive into the data
We share food insecurity trends and programmatic impact, plus we issue our annual report as a companion to the spring edition of The Inside SCOOP.
---
### [My Story](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mystory/)
**Published:** April 8, 2024
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
The impact of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is not simply measured in numbers; it is also measured in the difference we’re making in the lives of those who seek support. The best way to understand how we’re impacting your life is through your story.
## **Why tell your story?**
- Telling your story can be a source of strength, not just for yourself, but for countless others who are silently struggling.
- Your experiences can break down the hurtful and unfair stigma that prevents others from seeking the support that can improve their lives.
- You can help add life to lifeless statistics.
- Your courage in speaking out can inspire meaningful change.
- Your story will encourage others to take action.
## **Important information about your story:**
- Your story could be used in a variety of ways, from social media and newsletters to community presentations, direct mail, and more.
- Regardless of how it is used, we will never include your full name or any other personally identifiable information. If we use your story, it will be attributed to your first name and the county you live in.
- We will gather your story during a 15-minute interview. Whether in-person, over the phone, or via video chat, it will be scheduled at a time and location of your convenience.
- You will have the chance to review and approve your interview answers before they are used.
- You can request that your story stop being used at any time.
- Interviewees will receive a $25 gift card in appreciation for sharing their story.
To let us know that you’re interested in telling your story, simply fill out the form below. Thank you!
---
- Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
- Name(Required) First Last
- Email(Required)
- Phone (Optional)
- Please contact me via (choose one):
- Call (phone # above)
- Text (phone # above)
- Email
-
- Address (Optional) Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code
- Comments or Questions
Submit
---
### [Nourish First and Thrive Event RSVP](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/nourish-first-rsvp/)
**Published:** February 14, 2025
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Thursday, April 24, 2025**
**4:30 – 6:00 pm**
*A brief presentation will begin at 5:00*
**Findorff**
[300 S. Bedford Street](https://www.google.com/maps/search/300+S.+Bedford+Street?entry=gmail&source=g)
---
Will you be able to join us?(Required) Yes, I’m looking forward to it.
No, unfortunately I can’t make it.
Name(Required) First Last
Title
Organization
Email(Required)
Joining me will be: First Last
Guest's Email
Submit
---
### [Become a Partner Food Provider](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/become-a-partner-agency/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
Second Harvest’s 300+ partner food providers ensure nutritious food reaches every corner of our [16-county service area.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/010925_CombinedServiceMap.pdf) Our partners play a vital role in the charitable food system by directly providing food and other human services to their communities.
Second Harvest acts as a large-scale resource for our partners by providing free and reduced-cost food, best practices to optimize food distributions, fundraising and grant opportunities, nutrition education, food safety training and monitoring, and much more.
Any organization interested in partnering must meet specific requirements, including the holding of 501(c)3, or another tax-exempt status, and is located in our service area.
## Interested in partnership?
### Connect with an Community Representative!
 **Ellen**
Counties: Adams, Sauk, Richland, Iowa
[608-800-9668](tel:608-800-9668) [ Ellen.Jorgensen@SecondHarvestSW.org](mailto:Ellen.Jorgensen@SecondHarvestSW.org)
 **Joanne**
Counties: Columbia and Dane
[608-800-9673](tel:608-800-9673) [ Joanne.Marquez@SecondHarvestSW.org](mailto:Joanne.Marquez@SecondHarvestSW.org)
 **Lori**
Counties: Dane
[608-800-9669](tel:608-800-9669) [ Lori.Peppard@SecondHarvestSW.org](mailto:Lori.Peppard@SecondHarvestSW.org)
 **Mo**
Counties: Rock, Jefferson, Dodge, Walworth TEFAP
[608-800-9670](tel:608-800-9670) [ maureen.willoh@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:maureen.willoh@secondharvestsw.org)
 **Laura**
Counties: Green, Grant, LaFayette
[608-444-1290](tel:608-444-1290) [ laura.moon@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:laura.moon@secondharvestsw.org)
 **Corey**
Counties: Monroe, Juneau, Vernon, Crawford
[608-800-9668](tel:608-800-9668) [ corey.raimond@secondharvestsw.org](mailto:corey.raimond@secondharvestsw.org)
## Benefits of Partnership
Partnership with Second Harvest means more than access to free and reduced-cost food. Every Partner has direct access to their assigned Community Representative – experienced staff who live and work within their territories – as well as multiple specialists including order management, youth & family initiatives, and health & wellness.
#### Access to Nutritious Food
- Access to nationwide donors through our partnership with Feeding America.
- Shop 24/7 from a variety of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable food online.
- Free deliveries throughout our service area.
- No annual fee.
#### Opportunities
- Financial assistance with food costs.
- Grants and capacity-building opportunities from Second Harvest, Feeding America, and nationwide partners.
- Expert guidance on maximizing your program’s impact.
#### Free Resources
- Food Safety – Product recalls, ServSafe, ongoing training
- Conferences, education sessions, and networking.
- Advisory Services – Capacity building, volunteer recruitment, best practices, nutrition education, and more!
- FoodShare Outreach Specialists are available for onsite visits.
[Apply Now](https://form.jotform.com/211874950088161)
**“Without Second Harvest we wouldn’t be here today. We wouldn’t have been able to sustain purchasing food. We wouldn’t have been able to support our families.”**
– *Rosie Gittens, Leopold Elementary School*
---
### [Your Voice Matters! Be a Voter.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-voice-matters-be-a-voter/)
**Published:** August 18, 2023
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
#### Addressing the root causes of hunger depends on an inclusive democracy where the power to vote can be achieved by every eligible community member.
#### Second Harvest Foodbank is committed to advancing voting rights through voter education & outreach.
####
#### Did you know…
1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote
Each year, millions of Americans miss elections
## Voter Resources/Information
#### Register to Vote
#### Visit [myvote.wi.gov](https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/) to
- Make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address
- Register to vote
- Change or update your address
- Find your polling place
- See what’s on your ballot
- Request an absentee ballot
- Track your ballot
#### Learn About Candidates + Issues
#### Check out these nonpartisan resources to explore candidates and issues on the ballot.
**League of Women Voters**
<https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/voter-information/learn-more-about-candidates-issues>
**Vote411**
<https://www.vote411.org/wisconsin>
---
### [Food Safety Information](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-safety-information/)
**Published:** April 13, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
Food safety is important for everyone to stay healthy and thrive. Various food safety and quality assurance resources and topics are shared here – check back regularly for new resources!
##### The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act establishes Federal protection from civil and criminal liability for persons involved in the donation and distribution of food and grocery products in our community when certain criteria are met.
Read the [Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act](https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/corporate-and-foundations/product-partner/bill-emerson) and [FAQs](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-good-samaritan-faqs.pdf).
##### Recall Information
Tracking and providing notifications about product recalls is an important part of providing safe food to our partner pantries and their pantry guests.
##### What is a recall?
Recalls are actions taken by a firm to remove a product from the market. Recalls may be conducted on a firm’s own initiative, by FDA or USDA request, or by FDA or USDA order under statutory authority and compliance policies. Recalls are categorized into multiple categories:
| **Class I** | A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. |
|---|---|
| **Class II** | A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. |
| **Class III** | A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. |
| **Market Withdrawal** | Occurs when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation. For example, a product removed from the market due to tampering, without evidence of manufacturing or distribution problems, would be a market withdrawal. |
##### Monitoring and Alerting to Recalls
Partner pantries may receive food from multiple sources outside Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, so being aware of recalls helps to alert and protect pantry guests. The feeds from the FDA, USDA, Recalls.gov and Food Safety News below not only help partner pantries inform pantry guests, but also provide up-to-date health alerts and recall details to Second Harvest donors, volunteers, staff and the general public.
The Quality Assurance team at Second Harvest monitors recalls daily and sends email updates to partner pantries about recalls that affect our distribution area. Second Harvest partner agencies are automatically signed up to receive recall emails during their onboarding process. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email Pilar at <pilare@shfbmadison.org> with first and last name, name of your organization and email address.
If a recalled item was in Second Harvest’s inventory and distributed to partner pantries, your Agency Representative will contact you directly via email and/or phone to confirm information with you and provide instructions on handling the recall.
Recalled items will also be removed and blocked from Second Harvest inventory.
##### Food Date Extension Guidelines for Best By, Sell By, Use By, etc. Dates
Did you know that expiration, sell by, best if used by, best if used before and use-by dates are not food safety dates? These dates will tell you when a product is at peak quality, but nearly all foods (excluding infant formula) should still be safe and wholesome to eat if stored and handled properly until the time spoilage is evident.
Second Harvest calculates and uses food date extensions to maximize the distribution of nutritious, quality and great-tasting food.
Dates on packages are not always the best method for determining the quality of food. Taste, touch, smell and sight are valuable measures of food quality.
#### What do different food dates mean?
| **Expiration Date** | Food doesn’t “technically” expire, but may lose quality, become overripe, start to stale, or mold and spoil over time. One food that should never be consumed after its expiration date is infant formula. Some products with active ingredients (e.g. toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.) should not be used after the expiration date, because the products may not work as intended after the date. |
|---|---|
| **Best if Used By/Best Before Date** | Indication from the manufacturer of when a product will be of the best flavor or quality. It is not a food safety date. |
| **Sell By Date** | The date the manufacturer tells a store how long to display the product for sale. It is not a food safety date. |
| **Use By Date/Consume By Date** | The last date the manufacturer recommends for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a food safety date. |
| **Freeze By Date** | Indication by the manufacturer by when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. Once thawed the food should be stored properly and/or consumed promptly. It is not a food safety date. |
| **Closed or Coded Dates** | Codes used for the date the product was packaged, item identification, inventory management and/or product location in the event of a recall. |
#### How do I find out the food date extension?
Second Harvest of Southwestern Wisconsin has put together some broad and basic food extension guidelines for common food categories and items.
**Food Categories and Food Date Extensions**
- [English](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_English.pdf)
- [Español](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_Spanish.pdf)
- [Hmoob](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/030122_FoodDateGuidelines_Hmong.pdf)
**Additional resources for determining the quality and length of time to store and consume packaged and prepared (purchased and home-cooked) foods are also available:**
- [FoodKeeper](https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app)
- [Still Tasty](https://stilltasty.com/)
#### USDA Recalls Feed
[ See All USDA Recalls ](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls)
---
#### U.S. FDA Recalls Feed
[Tweets by FDArecalls](https://twitter.com/FDArecalls?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
[ See All USDA Recalls ](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts)
---
### [More Info - Volunteering](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-info-volunteering/)
**Published:** October 27, 2023
**Author:** Support Elevation
**Content:**
Thank you for wanting to learn more about volunteering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. Without our volunteers, Second Harvest – along with our partner food providers – could not meet the needs of thousands of people who face hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.
For information on **volunteering** click [Volunteer](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer/).
- Once on that page, you can learn about how to [sign up to volunteer](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084ba8a72baaf49-second#/), [group and individual volunteer opportunities](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-opportunities/), our volunteer department’s [anti-racist policies](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-department-commitment-to-anti-discrimination-anti-racism/), and find our [application for ongoing volunteer opportunities](https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1816699944)
If you would like more information or assistance than what is available on the website, please email <volunteers@secondharvestsw.org>, or call 608-216-7214.
We look forward to having you volunteer with us!
---
### [Volunteer Community Agreement](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-community-agreement/)
**Published:** July 8, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## Mobile Volunteer Community Agreement
The strength of our efforts to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin hinges on the exceptional commitment of our community partners and volunteers! A principal endeavor of Second Harvest Foodbank is to provide a safe, inclusive, and healthy atmosphere for all partners and collaborators, including volunteers and community members. Because of our commitment to safety and quality, we have created the following community agreement for all volunteers of Second Harvest Foodbank Mobile Pantries.
### Our community expectations of volunteers are:
Please check each box.
Be respectful, kind, and courteous to everyone- this includes not using judgmental language amongst volunteers and mobile guests I agree
Greet people upon arrival. If the pantry is busy, indicate how long their wait may be. I agree
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all volunteers, partners, and families. I agree
Wear your Second Harvest nametag when volunteering. I agree
Follow-all COVID guidelines as required by Second Harvest Foodbank-current protocols are available for onsite Volunteer Coordinators by visiting the Volunteer Resources section on our website. I agree
Be on-time and responsible for completing your volunteer duties as agreed upon with the on-site volunteer coordinator/Mobile Rep I agree
Do not volunteer if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell or any symptoms of a common cold. I agree
Report your volunteer hours after each volunteer shift. I agree
Stay in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator & Mobile Rep with any questions/concerns regarding your volunteer experience. I agree
Follow all safety protocols required by Second Harvest Foodbank- this includes, but is not limited to, wearing safety vests, proper lifting techniques, and appropriate use of pallets. I agree
Follow all food safety protocols required by Second Harvest Foodbank-including distributing only food provided by Second Harvest. I agree
Report any accident or injury to the onsite Volunteer Coordinator/Mobile Rep as soon as possible. I agree
Do not request or accept compensation of any type, in exchange for food, from any guest. I agree
### Confidentiality of Information
Confidentiality of personal information is crucial. Volunteers have an ethical responsibility to protect personally identifiable information- including but not limited to, name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
I will keep confidential individual and household information that I may obtain either directly or indirectly during the course of my volunteer activity. I agree
I understand that confidential information may be oral, printed, or electronic and that I may not identify mobile pantry guests to others or discuss their usage of the food pantry with others, including volunteers. I agree
### Non-Discrimination & Civil Rights Compliance
Second Harvest is committed to equal treatment for all pantry guests. Volunteers should ensure that every guest has a dignified and respectful experience and does not experience discriminatory barriers that prevent or deter them from receiving food.
I will not discriminate or deter anyone from receiving food based on Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Disability, Age, Gender, or having filed a prior complaint. I agree
I understand that discrimination includes denial of access to food, delay of food compared to other guests, or differential treatment (reduced food or lesser service). I agree
I understand that I must provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities and those that have limited English proficiency. I agree
I will ensure that any person believing they (or someone they know) has been discriminated against may file a complaint at any time with the onsite coordinator or any staff of Second Harvest. Complaints can also be submitted by contacting Cristina Johnson, Director of Volunteer Programs: cristinaj@shfbmadison.org or 608-216-7554. I agree
### Second Harvest commits to creating a safe and healthy environment, physically and emotionally, for all volunteers. We will ensure resources and training are provided to prepare and support volunteers for their community engagement.
I understand the community expectations and will abide by the guidelines listed above. Volunteer engagement is at will of Second Harvest Foodbank and may be ended at any time for any or no reason. I understand that there can be no expectation that employment or special consideration for employment will result from volunteer service.
Please Type Your Name
Submit
---
### [More Info - Donating](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-info-donating/)
**Published:** October 27, 2023
**Author:** Support Elevation
**Content:**
Thank you for requesting more information about donating to Second Harvest. We have a variety of ways for you to make a donation:
- To make a one-time online donation, click [Donate Now](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-donate-webinquery)
- To become a monthly donor, click [Become A Monthly Donor](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336342/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB_WebInquiry_BecomeAMonthlyDonor)
- To learn more about giving by mail, giving through stocks, IRA’s, and Donor Advised Funds, or planned giving, endowments, or in honor of someone, click [Additional Ways to Give](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/your-gift-makes-a-big-difference/) and use the menu on the left side of the page
If you need additional assistance, please email <donor.support@secondharvestsw.org> or call 608-216-7202. Thank you!
---
### [Large/Corporate Food Donations](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/large-corporate-food-donations/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Large and Corporate Food Donations Include:
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Growers and packers
- Schools and institutions
- Food transportation companies
- Food retailers
  
### Reasons to Donate:
Please note: donors are protected from liability pertaining to food donations under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. For more information regarding the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, please [click here](https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/corporate-and-foundations/product-partner/bill-emerson).
1. Assist food insecure neighbors
2. Reduce food waste
3. Increase community visibility through collaboration with Second Harvest
4. Maximize warehouse space
5. Save money on disposal fees
6. Receive a tax deduction
## Have a Large or Corporate Donation?
Step 1 of 2
50%
Please fill out this form, and we will connect with you:
Company Name
Mailing Address Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Contact person email address
Contact person phone number
Next
Product information
What is the product being donated and storage requirements (e.g. dry, refrigerated, or frozen)
Donation size
Pallet count (if applicable)
Total weight
Code date information (e.g. this product has a use by date of XX/YY/ZZZZ)
Reason for donating product
Packaging details
Pack size:
Are item(s) are labeled with ingredient statements?
Once the donation is inventoried by Second Harvest the donor will receive a PDF email receipt.
Previous Submit
In order to inquire about a potential donation, please contact the Food Resources Team. Donations can be delivered directly to Second Harvest, or pending the size of the total donation pick-up details can be arranged.
 Jo Rabbach
she \| her \| hers
Food Donor Coordinator
[608-216-7246](tel:608-216-7246) [ josephinem@shfbmadison.org](mailto:josephinem@shfbmadison.org)
 Chelsea Radford
she \| her \| hers
Food Sourcing Coordinator
[608-216-7551](tel:608-216-7551) [ chelsear@shfbmadison.org](mailto:chelsear@shfbmadison.org)
 Ian Steele
he \| him \| his
Food Resources Manager
[608-216-7241](tel:608-216-7241) [ ians@shfbmadison.org](mailto:ians@shfbmadison.org)
---
### [Social Media Links](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/social-media-links/)
**Published:** September 16, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
**Find Food & Food Resources**
[Mobile Pantry Schedule](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/)
[Find Food Near You – Map](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
[FoodShare (QUEST CARD/SNAP) Application Help](https://www.getaquestcard.org/)
[MMSD Free and Reduced Lunches](https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/food-service/free-reduced-meal-program)
[Find Help (211)](https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/guided_search/render/ds/%7B%22service%5C%5Cservice_taxonomy%5C%5Cmodule_servicepost%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%5B%7B%22taxonomy_id%22%3A407761%7D%5D%2C%22operator%22%3A%5B%22contains_array%22%5D%7D%2C%22agency%5C%5Cagency_)
---
###### Hunger Action Month
###### 30 Ways in 30 Days Calendar (Click Here!)
[**Learn More about Hunger Action Month**](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/hunger-action-month/)
1. [Download and Share the Calendar!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-30-Ways-in-30-Days-Calendar-FINAL.pdf)
2. Join us on Social Media – [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/secondharvestsw/) . [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-harvest-foodbank-of-southern-wisconsin/) . [Twitter](https://twitter.com/secondharvestsw) . [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/secondharvestsw)
3. [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/the-inside-scoop-newsletter/)
4. [Labor Day: Have Your Squad Donate!](https://donate.secondharvestsw.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-090423-LaborDaySocialPost)
5. Read: [5 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering as a Family](https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/5-unexpected-benefits-volunteering-family)
6. [Volunteer Your Time](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer/)
7. [Advocate by joining Feeding Wisconsin](https://www.feedingwi.org/getinvolved/)
8. [International Literacy Day: Talk to Kids About Hunger](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/talking-to-kids-about-hunger/)
9. [Hispanic Heritage Month: Learn More](https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/latino-hunger-facts)
10. [World Suicide Prevention Day: Learn More](https://www.feedingamerica.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/FA_HealthEQ_Closer-Look_MHA_D4.pdf)
11. Share our post from yesterday! (see our profile!)
12. Ask a Friend or Colleague to Go Orange with you this Friday!
13. [Sign up for a Tour of our Distribution Center](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/second-harvest-foodbank-of-southern-wi-tour-tickets-685926664117)
14. [Pick out Your Orange Gear for tomorrow!](https://nbc15.com/orange)
15. [Go Orange Day!](https://nbc15.com/orange)
16. [Make the Food Safety Honor Roll This School Year](https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2023/07/24/make-food-safety-honor-roll-school-year)
17. Join Feeding America on social – [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica) . [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/feeding-america/) . [Twitter](https://twitter.com/feedingamerica) . [Instagram](https://instagram.com/feedingamerica)
18. [Watch our Farm to Foodbank Video](https://secondharvestmadison.org/f2f)
19. [National Voter Registration Day – Register & Check Your Status!](https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/)
20. [Contact us to do a lunch and learn at your workplace or community group](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/contact-us/)
21. 105.5 FM Request-A-Thon! Call 608-204-8000 or visit [SecondHarvestSW.org/Request](SecondHarvestSW.org/Request)
22. [Listen to the Feeding America podcast: Elevating Voices, Ending Hunger](https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/podcast)
23. [Tell Congress about hunger in your area](https://secure.everyaction.com/SU6CGWfmJ0WnrYl77V8-XA2)
24. Free Space – Because rest is necessary for community care!
25. Share our post from yesterday! (see our profile!)
26. [Register your team for a NBC15 Share Your Holidays fund and/or food drive!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/syh/)
27. [Find your local food provider](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/find-food-near-you/)
28. [Learn about Community Cooks!](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/introducing-community-cooks/)
29. Join Feeding Wisconsin on social – [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/FeedingWisconsin) . [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/feeding-wisconsin/) . [Twitter](https://twitter.com/feedingwi) . [Instagram](https://instagram.com/feedingwisconsin)
30. [Our work doesn’t end today, check out our strategic plan.](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Full-Strategic-Plan.pdf)
[ DONATE ](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/336112/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-SocialMediaLinks)
[ VOLUNTEER ](/volunteer)
---
[Support our Farm to Foodbank Initiative](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/462014/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=SHFB-021723-F2F-SocialMedia)
---
[Newsletter](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/the-inside-scoop-newsletter/)
[Blog](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/blog/)
[FreeWill](https://www.freewill.com/secondharvestmadison?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=secondharvestmadison_IGprofilelink) – Create your free will today!
[Careers](/careers)
---
**Vote Your Voice**
[Voting Resources](https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/)
[Become a Poll Worker](https://elections.wi.gov/poll-workers-observers)
---
**Recipes & Food Safety**
[Food Safety Information](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-safety-information/)
[Food Preservation Resources](https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/09/universities-offer-resources-to-help-with-safe-at-home-food-preservation/)
---
### [Get Involved](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/get-involved/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Volunteer
Volunteers are critical to the success of supporting our neighbors facing food insecurity. We have opportunities for individual volunteers, and volunteer groups of up to 25 people at a time.
[Become a Volunteer](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-opportunities/)
## Campaigns & Events
All year long Second Harvest offers our community many different kinds of events and campaigns. Each event is a little different but all of them focus on one goal: working towards nutrition security in our 16-county service area.
[Learn More](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/events/)
## Advocate
In partnership with Feeding Wisconsin, we offer avenues to raise your voice! Learn more about ways that you can help build a more equitable food system by getting involved.
[Speak Out](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/advocate/)
---
### [Advocate](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/advocate/)
**Published:** February 17, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Your voice can help make a difference
When you advocate on behalf of those supported by Second Harvest, your efforts help raise awareness of Second Harvest’s mission, mobilize other community members, and express your public opinion around issues that matter to you.
## Join Feeding Wisconsin’s Hunger Fighters
As a Feeding Wisconsin Hunger Fighter, you will receive the newest content about working to end hunger, improving health, and strengthening our community
[Become a Hunger Fighter](https://www.feedingwi.org/publicpolicy/hunger_fighter.php)
## Contact Your Elected Officials
Let them know why building strong public policies that support equitable and inclusive access to food is important to you.
[Find My Elected Officials](https://secure.everyaction.com/p/mDAcwAlASE2x_Ght3iy32w2)
## Hunger Action Center
We believe that together we can end hunger through strong public policies at both the state and federal levels working in tandem with a vibrant private charitable sector.
When you provide your voice in the advocacy of hunger relief, you are making an important contribution toward building sustainable hunger solutions.
[Take Action](https://www.feedingwi.org/publicpolicy/)
---
### [Ways to Give](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/ways-to-give/)
**Published:** February 15, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Together, we can make sure everyone in our community has enough nutritious food to thrive.
Our community has made us southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity, providing meals and hope to the nearly 102,000 people in our area who struggle with hunger. Thanks to you, we meet over 1 million requests for support each year. We’re proud to distribute more nutritious food, offer guests more choice, support partner agencies more deeply, and engage more members of the community in our mission. Check out our blog posts to learn more about how our work is supporting and engaging community.
[  School Market Helps Whole Community Read
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/school-market-helps-community/)
[  Trying New Things at Horizon High School Read
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/trying-new-things-at-horizon-high-school/)
##### There are so many ways you can make a difference in someone’s life! Pick what makes sense for you:
- [Make an online donation](/donate-now/)
- [Give monthly](https://donation.secondharvestmadison.org/give/336342/#!/donation/checkout)
- [Sponsor an event or make a matching gift through your employer](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/corporate-giving/)
- [Host a drive](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/)
- [Check out other ways to give](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/more-ways-to-give/)
No matter how much or what way you choose to give, it all goes towards one important goal: ending nutrition insecurity in the 16 counties of southwestern Wisconsin. However, if you want to have the most impact, make a monthly gift! It’s convenient for you, and helps us plan ahead!
---
### [Volunteer Application](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/volunteer-application/)
**Published:** July 8, 2022
**Author:** Kris Tazelaar
**Content:**
## Volunteer Application
### Contact Information
Name First Last
Address Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Phone
Email
### Demographics
This optional information helps us assess how well we are creating an inclusive and welcoming volunteer program, reflective of diverse identities and the communities we engage and support.
Date of Birth
Pronouns
A key element of creating a safe space for people of all sexes and gender identities is the respectful use of gender pronouns. Gender pronouns are the terms people choose to refer to themselves that reflect their gender identity. These might be he/him, she/her, or gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them.
Race & Ethnicity African American/Black
East Asian
Hispanic/Latinx
Middle Eastern
Native American / Alaskan Native
Pacific Islander
Southeast Asian
South Asian
White
Other
Check all that apply.
What is your gender?
### Emergency Contact Information
Emergency Contact Name First Last
Emergency Contact Phone
Physical Limitations or Health Concerns?
Would you like to receive the Second Harvest Newsletter? Yes
No
Would you like to receive text messages around important mobile updates and closures? Yes
No
### Please check all statements and sign below to indicate your understanding and agreement of the following requirements for volunteering:
I understand and agree that submitting this application form does not automatically register me as a Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin volunteer, and that there may be certain qualifications that I must meet, including the acceptance of established volunteer policies and procedures before I may begin volunteering. I agree
By submitting this form, I understand and agree that my photo and video footage of me may be used for Second Harvest Foodbank in publications. I agree
By submitting this form, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a volunteer, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in my immediate dismissal. I agree
By submitting this form, I understand and agree that a background check may be administered as part of the application process. I agree
Please Type Your Name
Today's Date
### Parental Consent
As the parent/guardian of the volunteer, I consent to this minor volunteering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
Parent Type Name
Today's Date
Parent Phone
Submit
---
### [FoodShare Program](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/foodshare-program-es/)
**Published:** May 19, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## What is FoodShare?
FoodShare, also known as SNAP or EBT, is a federal benefit that can help pay for groceries. Eligibility is determined by a variety of factors including the income and expenses of a household. If you are interested in seeing if you might be eligible or would like assistance applying for FoodShare benefits, please reach out!
## Meet the Team
 **Brian**
he
**Counties:** Adams, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon
[608-807-7859](tel:608-807-7859) [ brianl@shfbmadison.org](mailto:brianl@shfbmadison.org)
 **Camille**
she
**Counties:** Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Columbia
Bilingual Spanish/English
[608-515-4113](tel:608-515-4113) [ camilleo@shfbmadison.org](mailto:camilleo@shfbmadison.org)
 **Heidi**
she
Counties: Dane
[608-630-3449](tel:608-630-3449) [ heidih@shfbmadison.org](mailto:heidih@shfbmadison.org)
 **Julia**
she
Counties: Dane
Bilingual Spanish/English
[608-807-9006](tel:608-807-9006) [ juliaw@shfbmadison.org](mailto:juliaw@shfbmadison.org)
 **LaShima**
she
Counties: Rock, Green, Lafayette
[608-630-1181](tel:608-630-1181) [ lashimag@shfbmadison.org](mailto:lashimag@shfbmadison.org)
## Have a FoodShare Specialist contact me:
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by a FoodShare Specialist.
Name
Email
Phone
Zip Code
How can we help you?
Submit
**Interested in partnering with the Second Harvest FoodShare Outreach team?**
Please email <HeidiH@shfbmadison.org>
You can also visit [GetAQuestCard.org](http://GetAQuestCard.org) to learn more about eligibility requirements or call the Wisconsin-based toll-free FoodShare Helpline at [1-877-366-3635](tel:1-877-366-3635).
---
### [Mobile Pantry Schedule](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/)
**Published:** February 22, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
\[tribe\_events category=”mobile-pantry”\]
---
### [Food Donations](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donations/)
**Published:** February 15, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Give Food
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin relies on the support of organizations, corporations, foundations, and individuals to meet our mission of ending hunger in Southwestern Wisconsin. We appreciate the boundless collaboration with supporters throughout Wisconsin.
Learn more about how to donate below!
  
[  Host a Fund and Food Drive Get your community rallied around a great cause. Hosting a fund and food drive is a great way to engage your team, coworkers, family, and friend groups to support food access in our area.
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/host-a-drive/)
[  Large and bulk food donations Are you a food producer or a large-scale agricultural business and have food you want to donate?
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/large-corporate-food-donations/)
[  Individual donations Looking to do some good on your own? Click here to see the ways that your individual food donations can support our shared community.
](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/individual-food-donations/)
---
### [Service Area](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/service-area/)
**Published:** March 11, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Coming soon
---
### [Terms of Use](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/terms-of-use/)
**Published:** March 10, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
## Coming soon
---
### [Food Donor Liability Protection](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/food-donor-liability-protection/)
**Published:** March 10, 2022
**Author:** Development Elevation
**Content:**
Both state and federal laws protect donors from liability. In 1996, President Clinton signed Public Law 104-210, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, to encourage donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to needy individuals. The law protects donors from civil and criminal liability should a fit and wholesome product donated in good faith later cause harm to a recipient.
Wisconsin Statute 895.51, Liability Exemption: Food Donation, Sale or Distribution, also provides protection. Any person engaged in the processing, distribution or sale of food products, for profit or not for profit, who donates or sells, at a price not to exceed overhead and transportation costs, qualified food to a charitable organization or food distribution service is immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to any individual caused by the qualified food donated or sold by the person.
---
### [04 - Map Directory](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/04-map-directory/)
**Published:** December 28, 2021
**Author:** Development Elevation
---
## Categories
### [News & Insights](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/news-insights/)
---
### [News](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/news/)
---
### [In The News](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/in-the-news/)
**Description:** In The News
---
### [Stories of Impact](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/stories-of-impact/)
---
### [Announcements](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/announcements/)
---
### [EDI Accountability Updates](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/edi-accountability-updates/)
---
### [Commitment Statement](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/commitment-statement/)
---
### [Nutrition](https://www.secondharvestsw.org/category/nutrition/)
---