MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Dane County, a coalition comprising 36 local food pantries convened at the Capitol on Monday to discuss ongoing challenges and advocate for greater community involvement.
Pantry leaders issued a call to action, urging Dane County residents to contribute more substantially in the fight against hunger.
According to a recent report by Feeding America, the rate of food insecurity among children in Dane County rose significantly, reaching nearly 30% in 2022, up from 7.5% in the previous year. This alarming increase predates the observed uptick in demand at local pantries.
With schools closed for the summer, leaders anticipate further strain in the upcoming weeks as children lose access to school meals.
“We, as Dane County food pantries, provide essential daily support to thousands,” stated Ellen Carlson, Director of WayForward Resources. “Our collective goal is to eradicate hunger in our neighborhoods, but we face a formidable challenge. Dane County, we need your support.”
Over the past two years, visits to food pantries have more than doubled, driven by escalating food and rent costs.
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