Dane County Food Action Plan Project Newsletter | November 7, 2025
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| The State of our Emergency Food System
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The state of emergency food in Dane County is at a turning point. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community saw an unprecedented surge of resources and innovative programming. A few short years later, the landscape has drastically changed: most of that crucial funding has dried up. Coupled with a challenging economy, this withdrawal has caused demand for food at pantries and food banks to skyrocket.
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Mutual Aid for Food Security: When the Food Safety Net Frays, We Must Build Networked Resilience
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By Abha Thakkar, Food Action Plan Consumer Engagement Coordinator
By “mutual aid,” we mean organized efforts by community members working together to share resources, time, skills, and support—not charity in the sense of “we help you,” but cooperation in the sense of “we build networked resilience together.” These strategies don’t require large budgets or big organizations—just coordination, trust, and a willingness to share resources and time. In the face of federal funding disruption, strengthening local mutual aid is not a complete substitute—but it helps cushion the blow, preserve dignity for impacted families, and build community resilience. With that in mind, here are some grassroots mutual-aid strategies that anyone—even those with limited means—can mobilize right away.
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| Mutual Aid for Food Security: When the Food Safety Net Frays, We Must Build Networked Resilience
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By “mutual aid,” we mean organized efforts by community members working together to share resources, time, skills, and support—not charity in the sense of “we help you,” but cooperation in the sense of “we build networked resilience together.” These strategies don’t require large budgets or big organizations—just coordination, trust, and a willingness to share resources and time. In the face of federal funding disruption, strengthening local mutual aid is not a complete substitute—but it helps cushion the blow, preserve dignity for impacted families, and build community resilience. With that in mind, here are some grassroots mutual-aid strategies that anyone—even those with limited means—can mobilize right away.
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| Create New Food Opportunities: City of Madison Resource Guide
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You can make new opportunities with the food you have rather than wasting it. Whether it's leftovers in your own kitchen, or excess food from commercial sources. On this page you will find:
- Resources for your home
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Food donation locations
- Food donation safety guide
- Laws about liability in food donation
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| Nourishing Conversations Podcast: Starting a Business & Policy Solutions
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Noah Bloedorn speaks with Founder/CEO Ben Stanger and Chief Marketing Officer Esai Ponce from Green Box Compost.
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| | Whiteboard Short: Dane County Farmers' Market
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We look forward to collaborating with you and building a healthier, more resilient food system for Dane County.
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University of Wisconsin, USDA, and Wisconsin counties cooperating.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
La University of Wisconsin–Madison División de Extensión proporciona igualdad de oportunidades en el empleo y en sus programas, según lo que exige la ley federal y estatal.
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You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make Extension programs and resources more accessible by contacting our office at extension@danecounty.gov or 608-224-3700 at least 2 weeks prior. There's no added cost to you for these services.
Copyright © 2025 Extension Dane County, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address:
5201 Fen Oak Dr., #138, Madison, WI 53718
608-224-3700
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