Grow Local, Feed Local
Project of Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin
The Community Action Coalition (CAC) planned to purchase local commodities for distribution to partner pantries, addressing the increased demand for food due to the end of pandemic-era benefits and rising inflation. The project, called Grow Local, Feed Local, aimed to bridge the gap between local producers and food access sites in Dane, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties. CAC partnered with REAP Food Group and Fairshare to source foods from eligible local producers and provide them with supportive services.
The initiative addressed challenges faced by families in accessing locally grown foods and supported historically underserved producers. Key outcomes included increased availability and access to local produce at food access sites, greater consumption of local foods by underserved households, and increased sales opportunities for local producers. The project focused on offering a variety of produce based on pantry needs and supported communication and tracking through various tools. Grow Local, Feed Local aimed to strengthen partnerships within the food system and create opportunities for collaboration among local non-profits and pantries.
PROJECT UPDATE 1
Community Action Coalition engaged with both contracted and new vendors, initiated purchases, and made deliveries to four pantries. The team met with project partners, FairShare and REAP, to discuss vendor needs and secured assistance for additional vendor outreach. Key insights include the need for more communication and adjusted expectations when purchasing from smaller vendors compared to larger ones. Challenges included limited product availability from contracted vendors and deviations from the initial distribution plan, with more frequent purchases and expanded vendor lists than anticipated. Solutions involved reserving funds for future purchases with contracted vendors and planning to use remaining funds with other vendors if needed. Major upcoming activities include continuing purchases from available produce vendors and maintaining distributions to pantry partners.
PROJECT UPDATE 2
The Community Action Coalition (CAC) successfully purchased and distributed $46,363.54 worth of meat and produce from five local vendors to five pantries, while continuing to engage with Fairshare and REAP to support socially disadvantaged farmers. CAC established a new meat vendor and developed feedback surveys for pantries and farmers. While many products, like bok choy, were popular, some less common items faced challenges in distribution. The coalition adapted by reallocating funds from produce to meat purchases due to limited availability from produce farmers, and they are actively seeking additional vendors. Moving forward, they plan to continue purchasing from existing partners and gathering feedback to improve their efforts.
PARTNERS
REAP Food Group
Fairshare CSA Coalition
The River Food Pantry
Falls Area Food Pantry
Jefferson Food Pantry
The Food Pantry Serving Waukesha County
Goodman Community Center
Lo Farm
SUPPLIERS
Live Jewelry Farm LLC
Yeng Thao Garden
Wonder Farm
Parisi Family Farm
Steadfast Acres
Yang Seasonal Garden LLC
Yang’s Produce
