Farm-to-Food Bank: LFPA Purchasing Program is a Win-Win for Farmers and Families

Hunger Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to ending hunger in 2024 by investing in local agriculture through the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. Since January, Hunger Task Force has purchased nearly $250,000 worth of fresh, locally grown food from small and medium-sized farmers, along with Wisconsin-sourced meats from local producers.

By leveraging federal LFPA funding – awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) – Hunger Task Force created a win-win scenario: local farmers secured a stable market for their harvests, while low-income families gained increased access to culturally familiar food sourced right here in Wisconsin.

These purchases enhance the nutritious food Hunger Task Force already provides through produce grown at The Farm and food secured through additional purchasing sources, ensuring a diverse and reliable supply for families in need. The specific food items sourced were guided by feedback and needs identified by Hunger Task Force’s partners at the pantries, meal sites and shelters.

“One of the most rewarding things about what we do is seeing the produce we work hard to grow go to families need,” shares Liz Lyon, Vegetable Production Manager at Gwenyn Hill Farm. “It’s incredibly special to provide healthy fruits and vegetables to those that may not have other access to high-quality produce.”

Hunger Task Force purchased directly from eight Wisconsin farmers and producers, including the WI Grass Fed Beef Coop, Superior Fresh Salmon, Gwenyn Hill Farm, Lee Produce, JL Produce, Chee’s Fresh Produce, Yeng’s Farm and Happy Day Farmhaus. Frozen ground beef, pork chops and salmon purchased through the program were distributed with Stockboxes directly to low-income seniors across 29 counties – significantly extending our reach and impact.

Through the LFPA program, Vang Lee and his mother, Ying Vang Lee, bring the fruits of their labor directly to local families facing hunger. A mother-son farming duo, the Lees work tirelessly on four acres split between Racine and Mequon, growing a variety of vegetables to meet demand. The partnership with Hunger Task Force provides Vang and his mother the stability of a guaranteed customer, minimizing waste from unsold produce and allowing them to provide over 1,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown food to families each week.

“We’re very thankful to be a part of the LFPA program. It feels good to know our food is going to families in need,” Vang shares.

Hunger Task Force takes pride in the success of the LFPA program and remains committed to exploring new avenues for ensuring that fresh, nutrient-rich food reaches the tables of those who need it most. By supporting local producers and farm communities throughout the state, we are fostering a sustainable future for everyone involved in this vital mission.

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.