Dane County Food Action Plan Project Newsletter | August 29, 2025

Food Plan Engagement in Full Swing

The Food Plan Team has had a busy month! With a number of events held in the first half of August, the goal of reaching community-wide input on the Dane County food system is becoming closer to reality. In addition to multiple tabling opportunities at community events, the following community engagement sessions were held:

On August 5, the Dane County Food Collective held its quarterly meeting at the Madison Club, where members were able to hear updates about the Food Action Plan and provide input.
On August 11, the Food Plan team hosted a town hall on the north side of Madison at Lakeview Library. Following a presentation, members provided unique insights into connections specific to their neighborhoods.
On August 12, Bill Warner of Snughaven Farm moderated a panel at Sustain Dane’s Future of Farming event, held at Vitruvian Farms in McFarland. The panelists—local farmers themselves—shared their personal stories and made connections to the food plan.

Upcoming Events:

September 11 | Faith & Food Summit | 1:00-4:00 PM
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
2019 Fisher St, Madison, WI 53713
Gathering of faith leaders and emergency food providers.
RSVP
September 27 | Harvest Gathering | 2:00-7:00 PM
Yowela Farms
2625 Oak Lawn Rd, Stoughton, WI 53589
Includes a state of the food system presentation and town hall.
Learn More

We look forward to continuing these vital conversations with you! View our calendar for future community events.

Sept 11 - Mt. Zion

Sept 27 - Yowela

Key Updates From the Food Business Sector

Factors like a shifting retail landscape, infrastructure gap, commercial space scarcity, and workforce/wage concerns all impact the food business sector.

Read More

Dane County Food Collective

The Dane County Food Collective is an organization of individual food industry leaders and individuals working together to create a stronger food system in Dane County. United by this mission, we address systemic issues through advocacy, resource sharing, and collective action.

Learn More

Food Action Plan Website

Food Action Plan Newsletters

Nourishing Conversations Podcast: Food Policy, Democracy, & Community Building

Food policy, democracy, and community building with Francesca Hong and Abha Thakkar.

Watch the Video

Whiteboard Short: Retail

Watch this short video to learn more about where food goes after it leaves the processing and storage stage.

Watch the Video

We look forward to collaborating with you and building a healthier, more resilient food system for Dane County.

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.

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