Juneau County

Improving Food Resiliency and Food Insecurity in Juneau County

PROJECT CONTACTS

Gina Laack || 608.847.9371

Dustin Ladd

Juneau County partnered with local producers to combat food insecurity in the region. The Improving Food Resiliency and Food Insecurity in Juneau County project distributed food through home-delivered meals, pop-up community events, and micro-Community Sustained Agriculture (CSAs) featuring value-added items like honey, syrup, and jams. The micro-CSAs varied seasonally based on available produce.

Facing health challenges, with a 37% adult obesity rate, and limited grocery stores, Juneau County aimed to address food deserts and associated chronic health issues. The project adopted micro-CSAs to navigate rural challenges, tracking distributions through surveys and evaluations to ensure participant satisfaction and improve the local food system. Cooking demonstrations, both in-person and online, contributed to community engagement and captured success stories, enhancing the project's holistic approach to promoting fresh and healthy foods while addressing underlying health disparities.

PROJECT UPDATE 1

Juneau County launched weekly Community Pop Up Distribution Events on May 15, 2024 with the purchase and distribution of over 110 mini Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes which included fresh produce, honey and Maple syrup. The events continue to be well-attended primarily by individuals aged 50 to 80, with 695 families served. Additionally, 95 people receiving home delivered meals, also received produce deliveries. Juneau County established an efficient process for produce and meat distribution but faced challenges with low attendance due to weather-related delays and participant navigation issues. To address these, they will improve location clarity and offer more accessible options for those with mobility issues. Pop-up distributions will continue and will include blueberries and apples, enhanced information, and recipes.

PROJECT UPDATE 2

The ADRC of Eagle Country and Juneau County Land and Water Department have been hosting weekly pop-up food distribution events, successfully increasing attendance and community engagement. These events primarily serve individuals aged 60 and older, who often live on fixed incomes. Participants have reported positive experiences, such as learning new recipes and even achieving weight loss. Despite facing challenges from a severe thunderstorm that damaged crops, the team adapted by sourcing alternative products and supporting affected farmers. Moving forward, they plan to host a producer recognition meal and continue their distribution efforts, including home deliveries.

PROJECT UPDATE 3

During the fourth quarter, community pop-up and distribution events continued to thrive, with an increase in participation and the addition of new local farms and producers, including orchards. Weekly food distribution events saw significant turnout, particularly from individuals aged 55 and older, who also engaged socially. UW-Extension supported these events with recipe cards and educational materials. The project succeeded in connecting community members with local producers and fostered stronger relationships between participants and farms. Despite challenges with the apple crop and occasional beef shortages, solutions like offering alternative fruits (plums and pears) and switching to root vegetables for the winter helped maintain supply. The grant’s impact was evident through numerous testimonials from participants highlighting the program's benefits, including access to fresh food and strengthened community bonds.