Together We Are Sourcing Thoughtfully

We know there are many ways to solve hunger. That’s why we source our food in a number of ways that result in the availability of more healthy options at the pantry while supporting the food system as a whole.

FarmLink
Our FarmLink program contracts with small local farmers to grow produce specifically for distribution to our local network of pantries. The growing program increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables at pantries while building economically viable and socially responsible relationships with local and tribal growers.

Direct Connect
The Direct Connect program connects local retailers with community hunger relief organizations. Through these connections, we are reducing the time the product spends in transportation and warehousing, quickly getting it to our partners on the frontlines. Learn more about how distribution centers have become a big part of this program.

Grocer, Grower, Manufacturer Donations
Food is donated to us by grocers, growers, and manufacturers for a variety of reasons: production overruns, labeling errors, and discontinued or obsolete products. The product is still wholesome and safe for our neighbors in need to enjoy. Learn more about the quality products we receive from Del Monte and Bonduelle.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with a low income by providing emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP the USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to distribute throughout our state.

Purchased Product
While we receive a large amount of food donations, we can’t rely on them entirely. With grant funding and monetary donations, we purchase food to meet the needs of our communities while ensuring product diversity and nutritional value. In fact, we use a food policy to guide the decision-making of our food purchases.