UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Farmer Gathering – Grow It Forward, Manitowoc, WI
The Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance program (WI LFPA) invites you to join us for a networking event on Saturday, April 27th, at 2:00 PM, hosted at Grow It Forward in Manitowoc, Wisconsin (Grow It Forward | Manitowoc (grow-it-forward.org). The event aims to build connections between farmers and hunger relief organizations working within WI LFPA.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the various resources available to farmers supplying to organizations dedicated to hunger relief. Discover the support systems and initiatives offered by Wisconsin Farmers Union, Marbleseed, Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative and The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The goal of this gathering is to give WI LFPA producers and food access partners a space to make connections in person. We know that strong connections between participants are vital to the success of the WI LFPA and our mission of building strong local food systems. We are excited to partner with Grow It Forward and we hope that participants walk away with an expanded network of individuals and organizations performing food access work in their communities.
The event will include refreshments and a guided tour of Grow It Forward’s facility.
We look forward to your presence on April 27th, as we continue the growth and development of Wisconsin's local food systems.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
Cold Staging Produce Workshop
Need a way to store your vegetables and flowers but walk-in coolers seem impossible because of the price tag?
Come learn about affordable alternatives that will meet your cold storage need and can be an easy Do It Yourself (DIY) project for your farm. Presentation, information, and resources will be shared by Groundswell Conservancy's Community Director Yimmuaj Yang and FairShare CSA Coalition's Aggregator Coordinator Chiang Rai Lor.
Farm to Food Access Aggregation & Distribution Webinar
As local food systems in Wisconsin continue to grow, so does the need for aggregation and distribution services across the state. Learn from farmers that have added aggregating and distributing others’ farm products into their business model.
Presenters Tracy Vinz of Olden Organics, Shawn Bartholomew of Chippewa Valley Produce, Rufus Haucke of Keewaydin Farms and Heather Toman of Full Circle Community Farm will describe how they balance farming and transporting products from other farmers. They will also cover the vehicles they use, best communication practices with growers and buyers, and how they work with food access programs around the state.
Additionally, Sheri Howard of Seasonal Harvest, LLC will discuss their process for working with farms, specifically how products are listed and sold through Seasonal Harvest, packaging and labeling requirements, and distribution.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
On-Farm Peer Education Event: Cala Farm
The WI LFPA program is inviting you to Cala Farm on Wednesday, August 7th from 1:00 – 5:30 PM to learn how Rodrigo and Juan Carlos of Cala Farm are growing certified organic vegetables, chicken and pork for food access programs across Wisconsin. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the different production areas of the farm. There will be an Open Space conversation circle facilitated by Marbleseed on the importance of local farmers selling to food access programs, and how to build and strengthen these relationships.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
On-Farm Peer Education Event: Sullivan Family Farm
The WI LFPA program is inviting you to Sullivan Family Farm on Tuesday, September 17th from 1:00 – 5:30 PM to learn how Ryan and Jackie Sullivan are growing produce, pork, lamb and beef for food access programs across Wisconsin. You will have the opportunity to tour their gardens, high tunnels, pastures, animal housing and on-farm store. There will be an Open Space conversation circle facilitated by Marbleseed on the importance of local farmers selling to food access programs, and how to build and strengthen these relationships.
On-Farm Peer Education Event: Yowela Farms
The WI LFPA program is inviting you to Yowela Farms on Friday, September 20 th from 1:00 –5:30 PM to learn how Dan Cornelius of Yowela Farms is growing beef, goat, Indigenous corns, maple syrup, specialty vegetables and harvesting wild rice for food access programs across Wisconsin. All of these products are sustainably produced with practices incorporating Indigenous perspectives and advancing regenerative approaches. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the different production areas of the farm. There will be an Open Space conversation circle facilitated by Marbleseed on the importance of local farmers selling to food access programs, and how to build and strengthen these relationships.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
Wholesale Readiness Training #8 - Door County Farm for Vets
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Wholesale Readiness Training #7 - Hermit Creek Farm
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Safe Wisconsin Produce (SWP) is hosting two virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training courses intended for farms that grow, harvest, pack and/or hold produce on their operations. These opportunities allow farms covered under the Produce Safety Rule, as well as those operating within the Wisconsin Local Food Purchasing Assistance (WI LFPA) program, to meet a training requirement.
For WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant participants, the cost of the courses are paid for by the WI LFPA Program, with each opportunity limited to 40 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up today to learn about the following topics:
Introduction to produce safety
Worker health, hygiene and training
Soil amendments of animal origin
Wildlife, domesticated animals and land use
Agricultural water
Post-harvest handling and sanitation
How to develop a farm food safety plan
Approximately two weeks prior to the course, SWP will provide a Microsoft Teams link for the course, a mailed course manual and various other resources (e.g. agenda, regulation book, brochures, etc.). Contact SWP at 608-224-4511 or safeproduce@wisconsin.gov with questions or comments!
Virtual Wholesale Readiness Training
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. Additionally, we are offering this training virtually for anyone who cannot attend in person. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Safe Wisconsin Produce (SWP) is hosting two virtual Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training courses intended for farms that grow, harvest, pack and/or hold produce on their operations. These opportunities allow farms covered under the Produce Safety Rule, as well as those operating within the Wisconsin Local Food Purchasing Assistance (WI LFPA) program, to meet a training requirement.
For WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant participants, the cost of the courses are paid for by the WI LFPA Program, with each opportunity limited to 40 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up today to learn about the following topics:
Introduction to produce safety
Worker health, hygiene and training
Soil amendments of animal origin
Wildlife, domesticated animals and land use
Agricultural water
Post-harvest handling and sanitation
How to develop a farm food safety plan
Approximately two weeks prior to the course, SWP will provide a Microsoft Teams link for the course, a mailed course manual and various other resources (e.g. agenda, regulation book, brochures, etc.). Contact SWP at 608-224-4511 or safeproduce@wisconsin.gov with questions or comments!
Wholesale Readiness Training #6 - Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Wholesale Readiness Training #5 - Neighbor’s Place
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Wholesale Readiness Training #4 - Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeastern Wisconsin
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Wholesale Readiness Training #3 - Stepping Stones
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
WI Local Food System Networking Calls
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 3-4pm from March to December 2024.
WI Local Food System Network calls to bring together food system partners from across Wisconsin to share resources and align opportunities.
Wholesale Readiness Training #2 -Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Community Partner Grantee Gathering (virtual)
Registration required for all awarded community partner organizations.
Wholesale Readiness Training #1 - Hunger Task Force Farm
The WI LFPA Program is offering Farm to Food Access Wholesale Readiness trainings across the state of Wisconsin. All WI LFPA Direct to Farmer grant recipients are required to attend at least one session.
Goals of the training include:
Accomplish To-Do's for participating in the program
Learn what you need to know for next steps after the training
Know who to go to for Technical Assistance, selling to the program, education and networking
Monthly Support Organization Meeting
Community partner organizations meet monthly to discuss the WI LFPA program, share feedback, and ask questions. Staff from Marbleseed, The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, and Wisconsin Farmers Union are present to answer questions. The agenda will be sent to all community partners one week before the meeting. If you have agenda items you would like to add, please email them to Nou Thao at nou.thao@marbleseed.org.
To join the meeting, please use the Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81994593535?pwd=cGZSck5OR3F6TEdnTHBvYm9SY0JOdz09
Monthly Support Organization Meeting
Community partner organizations meet monthly to discuss the WI LFPA program, share feedback, and ask questions. Staff from Marbleseed, The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, and Wisconsin Farmers Union are present to answer questions. The agenda will be sent to all community partners one week before the meeting. If you have agenda items you would like to add, please email them to Nou Thao at nou.thao@marbleseed.org.
To join the meeting, please use the Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81994593535?pwd=cGZSck5OR3F6TEdnTHBvYm9SY0JOdz09
Office Hours - Community Partner Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours — Community Partner Grants
November 9th - 1-2 p.m.
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
November 9th - 12-1 p.m.
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Monthly Support Organization Meeting
Community partner organizations meet monthly to discuss the WI LFPA program, share feedback, and ask questions. Staff from Marbleseed, The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, and Wisconsin Farmers Union are present to answer questions. The agenda will be sent to all community partners one week before the meeting. If you have agenda items you would like to add, please email them to Nou Thao at nou.thao@marbleseed.org.
To join the meeting, please use the Zoom link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81994593535?pwd=cGZSck5OR3F6TEdnTHBvYm9SY0JOdz09
Office Hours - Community Partner Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours — Community Partner Grants
November 9th - 1-2 p.m.
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
November 9th - 12-1 p.m.
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Community Partner Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours — Community Partner Grants
November 2nd - 1-2 p.m.
Join here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdO6urD4sHgWGBPnhKWpPH5J9_nj2TvQ
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
November 2nd - 12-1 p.m.
Join here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdO6urD4sHgWGBPnhKWpPH5J9_nj2TvQ
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Community Partner Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours — Community Partner Grants
October 26 - 1-2 p.m.
Join here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdO6urD4sHgWGBPnhKWpPH5J9_nj2TvQ
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
Thursday Virtual LFPA Office Hours - Direct to Farmer Grants
October 26th - 12-1 p.m.
For additional information: Katie Kracht, katie.kracht@wisconsin.gov
Urban Farm to Food Access: Partnership Development
Urban Farm to Food Access: Partnership Development
Saturday, October 21st 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
3945 N 31st St, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Hundred Acre, a unique urban farm providing a rapid response solution to food insecurity in the heart of Milwaukee, has partnered with the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (WI LFPA) to host an afternoon of networking and resource sharing around Urban Farm to Food Access developments.
As WI LFPA winds down its first year of programming, we celebrate Urban Farm to Food Access successes in Milwaukee County!
Urban farmers play a critical role supplying food access programs through the WI LFPA and other activities. Urban agricultural businesses are varied operations with unique sets of opportunities and challenges. Urban farmers work to address community need and create solutions from land access to distribution. Join community leaders, farmers, hunger relief, non- profit, state agency, and industry partners for an in-depth discussion on this important and complex work.
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM-Enjoy refreshments and time to network with other leaders in the farm to food access movement.
2:00 PM to 2:30 PM-Participate in a tour of Hundred Acre Farm and learn about their operation.
2:30 PM to 4:30-PM Learn about opportunities and resources available to Urban Farmers and participate a panel discussion on Urban Food Production, Food Banks and Community Based Food Access programs and WI LFPA impacts.
For any accommodation needs and interpretation requests, please reach out to our WI LFPA Specialist, Nou Thao, at nou.thao@marbleseed.org
This event is free and open to the public.
Please click here to register.
WI LFPA Grant Program Informational Webinar
Are you interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program? Please use the link below to register for our free webinar.
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItf-itrTkuHHjHbRjBdKb8mr8aLoq0NkM