Food Leaders Lab
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s mission is to solve hunger. We cannot accomplish that alone. We collaborate with individuals with lived expertise to better respond to community needs and strengthen nutrition programs.
Food Leaders Lab is a leadership and advocacy institute. We work with residents to identify solutions to hunger and food insecurity in their community. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin provides advocacy, policy, communication, and leadership development to grow networks and create transformational change.
Ambassadors meet in-person and select an issue to work on throughout their time in the institute. They create goals, find solutions, recruit partners, develop a strong ‘ask’, and build communication skills. Along the way, Ambassadors increase their understanding of the powerful Federal Nutrition Programs, their role in solving hunger, and are coached on professional advocacy strategies.
Food Leaders Lab Ambassadors make an impact that can reach beyond our organization’s footprint. Ambassadors work with elected officials, business leaders, government agencies, and other community leaders to tackle urgent problems and propose strong, community-supported solutions.
For any questions regarding the Food Leaders Lab program or the application process, please contact Matt Stienstra, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Programs at mstienstra@feedingamericawi.org.
Food Leaders Lab Nationally Recognized
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Food Leaders Lab program was recognized nationally by Feeding America during its annual conference in April 2024. President and CEO, Patti Habeck, along with Food Leaders Lab Ambassador, Jennifer Estrada were on-hand to receive the program recognition. Feeding America CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot had the following to say about the seven food banks that were recognized for their innovative programming:
“Through collaborative and innovative solutions, these recipients have shown what is possible when we leverage our voices toward a shared vision. This honor is earned by each person connected to the work—especially neighbors who lend their expertise to solutions, as well as staff, volunteers, donors and partners. From pioneering approaches to healthy food access, to creating new communications channels for neighbor advocacy, to partnerships that rescue millions of pounds of fresh produce, these food banks have demonstrated the impact we can have when we work together.”
Read more about this national recognition by Feeding America HERE.
Who should apply for Food Leaders Lab?
Residents who want to learn how to take action on issues related to hunger and healthy food access in their local community. Prior advocacy experience is not necessary, however applicants with lived expertise will be prioritized. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is seeking residents who can demonstrate a passion for making a difference and are eager to learn about sustainable policy solutions to hunger and food insecurity.
Ambassadors are required to attend each session in-person. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What sort of time commitment is needed for Food Leaders Lab?
Ambassadors can expect to commit between two and three hours per month throughout the program. We do not require time outside of the Saturday sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., however Ambassadors can request one-on-one meetings if they choose.
How much does this cost?
Nothing! In fact, Ambassadors are compensated up to $1,000 for participation and completion of the program.
When does the next Food Leaders Lab begin?
In 2024, Milwaukee’s Food Leaders Lab will run from March through September. Appleton area’s Food Leaders Lab will run May through November.
What do Food Leaders Lab Ambassadors get out of the program?
Food Leaders Lab Ambassadors leave with a fully put together campaign plan to address their choice of problems related to hunger and food security. Additionally, they’ll leave with a supportive cohort of other graduates after building relationships over the course of the program. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin will provide continued support, guidance, and leadership opportunities for graduates that want to continue to work on their campaign. Ambassadors will also be compensated for their time and for completing the program up to $1,000 for full attendance over the seven month institute.
2023 SNAP-Ed Report
Click HERE for the 2023 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) Report, compiled of projects from six Food Leaders Lab 2022 Ambassadors and one community partner.
In the spring of 2022, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin launched Food Leaders Lab to connect local residents with advocacy, policy, and communication coaching to solve hunger in their community. This is the first year graduates of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Food Leaders Lab received funding to pursue grassroots systems change on personalized projects to promote food security in their community. This report seeks to highlight the work accomplished by these outstanding food security advocates across Milwaukee county, and seeks to lay the foundation for future work of Food Leaders Lab graduates. The SNAP-Ed program is just one of many examples of how Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin supports its Food Leaders Lab Ambassadors’ work.
Click HERE to view the SNAP-Ed Report in Spanish.
