With school out for the summer, many Wisconsin families face a growing challenge: feeding their children. According to Feeding Wisconsin, around 400,000 kids in the state lose access to regular school meals during summer break. “We always see a spike in food pantry demand during these months,” said Jackie Anderson, Executive Director of Feeding Wisconsin. That’s because parents must now fill the gap once covered by school breakfasts and lunches.
“We’re seeing the biggest increase in childhood hunger since the Great Recession,” Anderson added.
Statewide, more than 618,000 people are considered food insecure. That means they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. “That’s the reality too many are living in,” Anderson said. “One in 10 adults and one in six children in Wisconsin face food insecurity.”
Inflation has only made things harder. Across the state, food banks are seeing 30% to 45% more people needing help. To respond, many pantries are partnering with local farmers to bring in fresh produce. Federal budget cuts have reduced other food sources, especially high-protein items.
“Meat, dairy, and other proteins fly off the shelves fastest,” Anderson said. “But funding for those items has dropped.”
One helpful tool this summer is Summer EBT. Families that qualify for free or reduced meals during the school year may receive $120 per child. Anderson said Wisconsin is one of the best states at rolling out the program, which helps about 239,000 families.
“There are also local summer food programs,” she said. “Just go to dpi.wi.gov, enter your ZIP code, and see what’s nearby.”
But looming changes to the federal SNAP (food stamp) program could hit hard. “Up to 700,000 Wisconsinites could be impacted by new cuts or work requirements,” Anderson explained.
These changes could affect rural areas the most. SNAP dollars are vital to small-town grocery stores and local farms. Every $1 in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in local economic activity. Less SNAP funding means less revenue for rural businesses. Farmers are also feeling the effects. Federal cuts to local food purchasing assistance left many with fewer resources than expected.
“Farmers planned for support that vanished,” Anderson said. “Now, everyone’s working harder with fewer tools.”
Despite the challenges, there are still ways to help. Anderson encourages people to share their stories with lawmakers. “You don’t need to be an expert to speak up,” she said.
Other ways to support include volunteering and donating to local food banks or Feeding Wisconsin directly.
