By Kathy Utley, Madison Food Policy Council and the Dane County Commission on Poverty
I am not religious, yet respect the many and diverse faiths of our community. This holiday season reminds us all about the importance of helping those less fortunate.
The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families has released a report on Child Poverty in Wisconsin. According to this report, 49% of children living below the poverty line are African American children, 35% are Hispanic or Latino, 16% are Asian and 12% are Non-Hispanic White. In the State of Wisconsin, one in five children will grow up poor. According to another report, the United Way and the Community Actions Coalition looked at poverty as it relates to food sustainability for children.
The report called, "Healthy Food For All Children", this community plan outlines what the needs are for providing access to healthy foods for all children in Dane County. The answer is creating a broad, comprehensive and coordinated effort with an emphasis on creating better access to healthy, locally sourced foods in Dane County. From those who coordinate food pantries, to those who store food, to those who provide fresh produce, there needs to be a coordinated system of moving food from the farm to food pantries.
The Fairness Cafe - Farm to Food Pantry will provide a communication venue to educate the community about the needs of providing specific services, resources and awareness regarding food security in Dane County.
Thanks to all who have donated to food pantries, volunteered or served on committees or boards of non-profits that serve the most needy in Dane County. We look forward to a productive and creative new year!
Kathy Utley, Publisher
Madison Food Policy Council
Dane County Commission on Poverty
I am not religious, yet respect the many and diverse faiths of our community. This holiday season reminds us all about the importance of helping those less fortunate.
The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families has released a report on Child Poverty in Wisconsin. According to this report, 49% of children living below the poverty line are African American children, 35% are Hispanic or Latino, 16% are Asian and 12% are Non-Hispanic White. In the State of Wisconsin, one in five children will grow up poor. According to another report, the United Way and the Community Actions Coalition looked at poverty as it relates to food sustainability for children.
The report called, "Healthy Food For All Children", this community plan outlines what the needs are for providing access to healthy foods for all children in Dane County. The answer is creating a broad, comprehensive and coordinated effort with an emphasis on creating better access to healthy, locally sourced foods in Dane County. From those who coordinate food pantries, to those who store food, to those who provide fresh produce, there needs to be a coordinated system of moving food from the farm to food pantries.
The Fairness Cafe - Farm to Food Pantry will provide a communication venue to educate the community about the needs of providing specific services, resources and awareness regarding food security in Dane County.
Thanks to all who have donated to food pantries, volunteered or served on committees or boards of non-profits that serve the most needy in Dane County. We look forward to a productive and creative new year!
Kathy Utley, Publisher
Madison Food Policy Council
Dane County Commission on Poverty