You may have seen promotions and communications regarding Farmshed serving our community with an item called a badger box through an organization called The Hunger Task Force. We would like to take this opportunity to explain what the badger box is and why Farmshed prioritizes ensuring they are brought to the Portage County area.
First, the name badger box is a representation that all products in the box are sourced from Wisconsin growers, food producers and tribal members. This type of focus in sourcing is the first of its kind for a large scale food security effort. Most of the time nationwide contracts are bid on and the cheapest bid wins. The Hunger Task Force wants to keep Wisconsin dollars in Wisconsin which is a must for us. Second, the items are real and high quality and as the growing season begins to come into full swing, these boxes will include more Wisconsin grown produce.
Farmshed feels that this should be the new standard of food security as it truly builds health equity through the power of food. Last month we served 243 individuals through the badger box program. Our relationship with the Hunger Task Force is growing strong as Farmsheds Ann Vang is leading the creation of HMoob senior stock boxes that are culturally appropriate.That program is expected to launch in September. The program will begin with Lacrosse, Wausau and Wisconsi Rapids. All shelf stable items will be directly sourced from local ethinic grocery stores to keep dollars in Wisconsin.
Trevor Drake
Farmshed Executive Director