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In addition to claims of price gouging, consumer advocates say corporate consolidation has harmed grocery shoppers. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 6, 2024

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Wisconsinites don't spend as much on groceries compared with other states. However, consumer groups say shoppers everywhere are still feeling the …

Nearly 40% of Wisconsin school-aged children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches at school. (Adobe Stock)

WI first state approved for kids' summer meal program

Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

According to the USDA, Wisconsin is among the top ten states for farmers' markets. Officials with a new grant program said it is one reason why the Badger State can serve as a leader in getting more locally grown food into school lunches. (Adobe Stock)

New grants designed to give WI 'farm to school' efforts more muscle

In making school meals healthier, so-called "Farm to School" programs are nothing new but Wisconsin might see the efforts reach new heights with a …

Congress averted a government shutdown in September by approving a temporary spending plan. But time is running out to come up with long-term appropriations, and political observers say a lot of uncertainty looms over budget talks. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites warn of negative outcomes if federal programs are cut

Congress has one week to approve a new federal spending plan or risk a government shutdown, and some Wisconsinites are calling on lawmakers to keep …

Places such as national parks close their gates during a government shutdown, but poverty-fighting groups say those who rely on such programs as nutrition assistance are left in the lurch, too. (Adobe Stock)

Key aid programs tied up in government shutdown chaos

As the federal government nears a shutdown over a budget impasse in Congress, Wisconsin offices that help low-income individuals worry they'll have …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says nationwide, up to 600,000 eligible people would be turned away from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children under a spending proposal from House Republicans. (Adobe Stock)

WI Families Could See 'Double Whammy' From Budget Policies

Congress is again steeped in a looming budget crisis as lawmakers face a deadline to approve a new government spending plan. In Wisconsin, policy …

In key categories measuring child well-being, Wisconsin consistently ranks among the top 20 states in an annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Despite High Ranking, Child Well-Being Concerns Persist in WI

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Wisconsin fared better in the …

According to a study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes 31.9% of its food each year. (Adobe Stock)

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

It's almost an everyday dilemma for consumers - whether to believe a food expiration date. Advocates for cutting waste say there are tips to avoid …

The most recent Farm Bill covered areas such as agricultural conservation, trade and foreign food assistance, farm credit and research. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Research Community Urges Congress to Avoid Farm Bill Delays

The U.S. Farm Bill is up for reauthorization, and Congress faces calls to avoid any delays so certain programs can keep helping farmers and consumers …

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, roughly 700,000 Wisconsinites rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Guidance for SNAP Recipients as Pandemic Boost Ends

Wisconsin residents receiving federal food assistance have now seen their final round of emergency aid prompted by the pandemic. Hunger-fighting …

According to Feeding America, more than 530,000 Wisconsinites are facing hunger. (Adobe Stock)

WI Lawmakers Eye Repealing Pandemic Food-Aid Waivers

At the beginning of the pandemic, Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS) waived numerous requirements to participate in the state's food-aid …

The nonprofit Feeding America says in 2021, about 13 million children in the United States likely lived in households that were food insecure. (New Mom/ISO Republic)

'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Wisconsin's food charities are preparing for a possible spike in demand heading into the holiday season. From the end of federal …

Several Wisconsin groups, led by Neighborhood Food Solutions in Dane County, are developing a training and production system that will help Black farmers be more successful with grains. (Adobe Stock)

WI Program Connects Black Farmers to Grain Market

MADISON, Wis. -- Federal data show the farming industry is older and mostly white, and an emerging Wisconsin program could open more pathways by …

A new national report sheds light on the added struggles vulnerable families are facing during the crisis, including Wisconsin households with children. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Fallout Creates 'Basic Needs' Pressure for WI Families

MADISON, Wis. -- Meeting basic needs is something out of reach for many Wisconsin families because of the pandemic. The challenges facing households …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing another $14 billion for farmers and ranchers who have experienced market losses caused by the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Time Running Short for Farmers to Apply for COVID Aid

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin farmers, who are struggling during the pandemic crisis, still have a chance to sign up for federal aid. But they're urged …

With the spread of COVID-19 still a big concern in Wisconsin, smaller farms are losing their traditional customer base, such as restaurants. That has prompted more direct deliveries to consumers. (Adobe Stock)

To Survive Crisis, Small WI Farms Pivot to Direct Marketing

DELEVAN, Wis. -- Several months into the pandemic, a number of small Wisconsin farms continue to shift their customer focus to keep from shutting …

In addition to environmental benefits, supporters of Kernza, an alternative grain crop, say it also could help reduce farm labor costs. (michaelfields.org)

Research Effort Aims to Get New Type of Grain to the Masses

EAST TROY, Wis. -- The Wisconsin agricultural sector could play a key role in accelerating production of a relatively new type of grain, which …

The group Dairy Farmers of America estimates a nearly 15% decline in orders for milk and other goods from large-scale customers during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Farmers Want USDA to Buy Unused Products During Crisis

MADISON, Wis. -- Some Wisconsin farmers are faced with the prospect of dumping their products amid a steep drop in demand during the pandemic…

In Wisconsin, SNAP benefits are distributed through the state's FoodShare program. (ideastream.org)

WI Among States with SNAP Waiver Targeted by Trump Administration

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin and more than 30 other states could have a harder time seeking additional waivers for tougher work requirements under …

About 119,000 people in Wisconsin stand to lose SNAP food assistance if the USDA changes the rules for what is known as categorical eligibility. (Unsplash)

SNAP Program Changes Would Hit Wisconsin Harder

MADISON, Wis. – If eligibility changes proposed for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are implemented, new research says …

Willie Nelson, shown above at Farm Aid 2018, organized the first Farm Aid along with Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985. (Brian Bruner/Bruner Photo)

2019 Farm Aid in WI Highlights Family Farmers' Struggles

EAST TROY, Wis. — Farm Aid is coming to Wisconsin next week to promote family farming. The music festival backed by Neil Young, Willie Nelson …

Small grains such as barley and rye help reduce nutrient runoff on farms. (Halee Wepking/Meadowlark Farm)

Small Grains Could Be Newest Wing of Farm-to-Table Movement

RIDGEWAY, Wis. — An event at the end of June is highlighting the important role small grains play in Wisconsin. From Grain to Plate Field Day …

Through Roots to Glory Tours, American chefs traveled to Benin and Togo to explore their cuisine. (Devon Hamilton/Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Dinner Illuminates African Roots in American Cooking

MADISON, Wis. – There's a connection between African cooking and the United States. Devon Hamilton, associate policy director with the …

The American Heart Association recommends 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity, per week. (Mabel Amber/Pixabay)

Move More Month: “Dying is Easy; Living Takes Hard Work”

MADISON, Wis. - April is "Move More Month," challenging folks to make the kinds of small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact on their health…

The largest budget item in the farm bill is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called food stamps. (Pixabay)

Farm Bill: SNAP Work Rules a Big Snag

MADISON, Wis. — Congress may not be able to finish the farm bill by the end of the month, when the old one expires. One deadlock is a …

This summer, kids at the Mellowhood Foundation will grow and sell their own line of hot pickles. (Mellowhood Foundation)

Introducing WI Youth of Color to Food Justice Movement

MADISON, Wis. – A program aimed at getting young people of color interested in food and agriculture is entering its second year with more …

The Madison School District is hoping that high-school students will be more likely to get their meals from an on-site food truck than heading off campus to eat lunch. (REAP Food Group)

Farm-to-Table Food Truck Aims to Boost School Lunch Participation

MADISON, Wis. - A new food truck could be the answer to the school-lunch challenges that Madison-area high schools face. An open campus means only 25…

State Senator Questions Assumptions about Wisconsin Support Programs

MADISON, Wis. — Democratic state senator Kathleen Vinehout of Alma says the package of proposals under Special Assembly Bill 6 makes false …

More people are looking for a way to buy locally grown nutritious foods to improve their health and support the local economy. (UW Extension)

New Digital Roadmap to Wisconsin Local Food

MADISON, Wis. - Whether you're looking for locally grown organic food, a restaurant that serves locally grown food or a farmer's market, a new …

A new report says deficiencies of iron, zinc and protein already are affecting almost 2 billion people around the world with large burdens of disease. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Study: Climate Change Impacting Crops

MADISON, Wis. - journals.plos.orgA report that looks in depth at how climate change is robbing crops of nutrition says there will be more hungry …

A national survey says 14 percent of American households that rely on food banks include a veteran. In Wisconsin, it's 19 percent. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

"Disturbing" Number of Wisconsin Veterans Homeless, Hungry

MADISON, Wis. – The most recent Census Bureau estimates for Wisconsin say of more than 6,000 homeless people, at least 500 are veterans…

The head of a Wisconsin children's advocacy group says President Donald Trump's budget proposal runs counter to the state's motto. (WI Dept. of Administration)

Children's Groups: Trump Budget Would Push WI Backward

MADISON, Wis. – Groups that advocate for children are voicing concerns that President Donald Trump's budget proposal slashes funding for …

Eating a colorful variety of veggies is heart-healthy and may help prevent heart disease. (UW Extension)

Tips for National Eating Healthy Day

MADISON, Wis. - Heart disease and stroke are two of the biggest killers around, and today is National Eating Healthy Day, created by the American …

A joint initiative among UW professors, organic farmers, and local chefs is designed to improve the taste of fruits and vegetables. (UW Horticulture/CALS)

Making Wisconsin Fruits and Veggies Taste Better

MADISON, Wis. — Most consumers have had the experience of buying vegetables because they look great, and then being disappointed by how they …

Seven-grain bread is just one of the healthy food products that can be delivered from local producer to home by an innovative new food service called Square Harvest. (William Graf, UW)

Square Harvest: The Future of Grocery Shopping

MADISON, Wis. – A marriage of cutting edge computer technology and the time-honored traditions of Wisconsin farming has just won the …

A new program aims to bring locally sourced fruits and vegetables to more Wisconsin children. (UW Extension)

Getting Farm-Fresh Foods to More Wisconsin Children

MADISON, Wis. – Building on the success of Wisconsin's farm-to-table movement, several children's advocacy groups in the state have joined to …

Wisconsin is a national leader in production of organic vegetables, and the state's heritage of family-owned farms fits perfectly with the growth of organic ag. (UW Extension)

Wisconsin Leads the Nation in Organic Farming

SPRING VALLEY, Wis. - In addition to leading the nation in the number of organic dairy and beef farms, Wisconsin is second in total number of organic …

Environmentalists say many of Wisconsin's small, clean streams are drying up because of high-capacity wells used to provide water for huge factory farms. (USGS-WI)

Environmentalist: High-Capacity Wells are Draining Wisconsin’s Lakes

COLOMA, Wis. - As some of the lakes and streams in central Wisconsin are being drawn down or even disappearing, environmentalists are urging the …

With fishing season now open in Wisconsin, environmentalists are warning about the danger of mercury contamination and the need to curb it. (travelwisconsin.com)

Mercury Contamination in Wisconsin Fish – Particularly Walleye

MADISON, Wis. - Now that the first week of fishing season is here in Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources and the state's largest …

A just released study of the relative health of Wisconsin counties shows a correlation between the quality of food people eat and their overall health and longevity. (warrengoldswain/iStockphoto)

Report Ranks Wisconsin's Most, Least Healthy Counties

MADISON, Wis. – A new report indicates rural counties in Wisconsin and across the nation tend to have higher rates of premature death, smoking…

Several groups of Wisconsin experts have come together to create a new plan to help protect pollinators, with steps to improve their health and survival. (Pacotoscano/iStockPhoto.com)

Plan Bee? New Wisconsin Strategy To Protect Pollinators

MADISON, Wis. – Pollinators are critical in the chain of elements and events that puts food on our plates, and the Wisconsin Department of …

Diversification of crops will be a big topic at the Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference later this month. (UW Extension)

Trend Toward Diversification for Wisconsin Fruit, Vegetable Growers

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. - When more than 800 growers of fresh produce gather for their annual conference later this month in Wisconsin Dells, a big …

Dan Stein of Second Harvest Food Bank says too many Wisconsin families are forced to make a choice between buying food or paying for basics like housing and utilities. Courtesy: Second Harvest Food Bank.

Hunger is Real for Many Wisconsin Families

MADISON, Wis. – Millions of Wisconsinites will sit down to a bountiful Thanksgiving meal, including many who are the beneficiaries of the …

On National Eating Healthy Day, registered dietitian Marianne Merrick says try to change one thing at a time when you're trying to get rid of bad eating habits. Courtesy: Marianne Merrick

It’s National Eating Healthy Day

MADISON, Wis. - Here in America's Dairyland, 31 percent of adults are obese, 32 percent of adults have high blood pressure and 350,000 have heart …

A bountiful harvest at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute near East Troy, Wis., allowed it to donate fresh produce to a nearby food pantry and homeless shelter, and they encourage others to follow suit. Credit: UW Extension

Sharing the Bounty of a Good Harvest

MUKWONAGO, Wis. - The fall harvest this year at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute has been so bountiful that they're donating fresh produce …

A new national survey shows Wisconsin has the second largest number of organic farms in the country and ranks fifth in the nation in total organic sales of more than 200 million dollars. Credit: UW Extension

Wisconsin Continues to Lead in Organic Agriculture

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin has for the past several years been one of the national leaders in organic agricultural production, and a recently …

Keeping your back-to-school child healthy involves lots of physical activity, careful meal planning and setting a good example as an adult. Credit: Tomml/iStockPhoto.com

Keep Your Back-to-School Child Healthy

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - One of the most important factors in keeping a child healthy is making sure he or she is getting plenty of exercise, according to a …

As people increasingly pay attention to where their food is coming from and how it's grown, organic farming operations such as Three Brothers Farm near Oconomowoc are holding and supporting farm-to-table events to give people the experience of eating fresh organic produce. Credit: Three Brothers Farm

Farm-to-Table Movement Taking Hold in Wisconsin

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - The farm-to-table approach is gaining momentum in Wisconsin, with the advent of Community Supported Agriculture and a growing …

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WI: Hunger/Food/Nutrition