Brown County FoodWIse, along with more than 800 colleagues from across the state, gathered in Madison November 19th-21st to celebrate, strategize, and share the impact of Extension's work at the 2024 All-Colleague Conference. Two Brown County FoodWIse colleagues, Liliana Ramirez Gonzalez (Nutrition Coordinator) and Sarah Chisholm (Nutrition Educator) received the Excellence in Teamwork Award for their work on the Growing Together initiative, a multi-state program that grants funding and provides mentorship from master gardeners to create gardens for low-income community members.

This three-day event provides opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration within Extension, gives colleagues a space to share their work, and allows for in-person connection opportunities for an organization that spans the entire state of Wisconsin. 

Nicolet Elementary is a partner with the Brown County FoodWIse program. The school is working to increase connections with their school families. The school partners with the FoodWIse program to offer a cooking/nutrition program for students and their caregivers, providing a safe space and nurturing learning environment.

Brown County FoodWIse provided three lessons of the I Cook 4-H curriculum to 8 families. In the three lessons, students and caregivers learned about MyPlate, goal setting, kitchen tools, spices, and herbs—all of the lessons were hands-on, and students could assemble a food sample for the whole group. 

The final session and evaluation were implemented to determine if any change had happened due to their program participation. As a result of participating in FoodWIse education, are you planning to use fruits and vegetables more often? All program participants responded yes. One caregiver stated: "My child sometimes add extra healthier options. I like the fact my son is more willing to try more healthy food"

FoodWIse and the students at the Boys and Girls Club Afterschool Program at Fort Howard Elementary School did a learning session for their adult caregivers about snacks and My Plate.  Students were also able to highlight things they have been learning the last 4 weeks during their after school time with FoodWIse.  14 families were in attendance.  Caregivers were given information about some snack ideas that are part of My Plate from our Nutrition Educator.   Students were able to spotlight some of the fun activities that they had done during the 4 weeks of FoodWIse lessons.  Students showed their adults how to play Bean Game(highlighting vegetable protein) Food Group Stretches (highlighting our food groups and movement) snack pictionary, and where does my food come from.  One big highlight were Germy and Hermy the puppets came to visit to talk about experiments that the students did about germs, and how to help prevent the spread of germs.  The evening wrapped up with a wonderful sample of a veggie roll up snack.

November is Native American Heritage Month

We honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities. This month serves as an opportunity to recognize the importance of Native American food systems, which have long focused on sustainability, health, and community well-being. FoodWIse, in collaboration with the Oneida Nation and our state and national partners, works to highlight the value of traditional foods and food sovereignty, which play a crucial role in improving the health and resilience of Native communities. 

Take advantage of cooler temperatures and get outside and be active. Enjoy a hike, a family bike ride, or a game of touch football. The fall season offers plenty of ways to stay active while having fun. 

A brisk walk to enjoy the fall colors can be a great way to add steps to your day. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy heart, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. Looking for more inspiration? Check out SNAP-Ed’s Physical Activity resources for more ideas and tips!

Fall is the season for some of the most delicious and nutrient-rich produce! Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and kale are just a few of the seasonal favorites you can find at your local farmers market or grocery store.  

Enjoy the abundance of fresh fall produce and try the tasty, budget-friendly dishes on USDA'S Fall Recipes page to make the most of seasonal ingredients.

                                           Community Resources for Free Meals

Wednesday, November 27th: Salvation Army is hosting a free Thanksgiving lunch at 12pm. For further information, please call 920-497-7053.

Thursday, November 28th: NEW Community Shelter will provide both of its regular meals, lunch from 11:30am-12:30pm, and dinner from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

Thursday, November 28th: Gallagher's Pizza will provide free pizza and pumpkin pie to anyone in need from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Dine-in only.

Wednesday, December 25th: Four Winds Ministries will provide free pickup or delivery Christmas dinners in the Green Bay area. Order online or 

               Check the November Food Pantry handout

FoodWIse education is funded by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program– SNAP and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program - EFNEP.

An EEO/AA employer, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements

Extension Brown County
2019 Technology Way
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-391-4610

extension@browncountywi.gov