By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) successfully launched its Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program in its inaugural year.
Funded through the 2023-2025 state budget, the program allocated $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations to purchase and distribute culturally appropriate food to Tribal elders while supporting Indigenous and local food producers.
“Every Wisconsinite should have the basic necessities they need to live and thrive, but we know that food insecurity is all too common across Wisconsin, including in our Native Nations. That’s a reality we’re working hard to change,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
“I’m really excited about our Tribal Elder Food Box Program, which is helping expand access to food as we work to make sure folks and families in every corner of our state do not have to go hungry.”
Key achievements of the program include:
- Distribution of 31,230 food boxes: Feeding America, in partnership with the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition, successfully distributed over 31,230 boxes of healthy, culturally relevant food.
- Support for local producers: The program directly supported 40 small local producers, including 22 Tribal producers and 18 non-Tribal producers, boosting local economies and promoting food sovereignty.
- Positive feedback from recipients: Participating elders expressed deep appreciation for the program, highlighting the improved quality and variety of their diets, increased affordability, and a stronger connection to their community.
“DATCP recognizes the significance of food sovereignty to the Tribal nations,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Due to the leadership of the Governor and legislature, this program supports food recipients, producers, and processors from Tribal nations and Wisconsin as a whole.”
The Hunger Task Force, another grant recipient, successfully provided healthy, culturally relevant foods to 815 low-income Tribal elders in southeastern Wisconsin, collaborating with various Tribal organizations.
This initiative not only addressed food insecurity but also fostered stronger community ties and supported the growth of Tribal food producers.
The success of the Tribal Elder Community Food Box Program demonstrates the positive impact of government initiatives in addressing food insecurity and supporting local food systems.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy