Community Foundation Launches Emergency Fund to Address Nutrition Crisis

The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFONCW) has created the Formula and Food Insecurities Fund, a rapid-response effort to provide essential nutrition as federal food-assistance programs face disruption during the government shutdown.

The fund is designed to ensure families across Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade and Taylor Counties maintain access to food and formula. Grants from the fund will be distributed to nonprofit organizations, including local food pantries and agencies, that provide direct assistance to individuals and families affected by the loss or delay of government benefits like SNAP (FoodShare) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).

Local agencies are bracing for a surge in need. Jessica Scharfenberg, CEO of Healthfirst, which administers the WIC program regionally, highlighted the severity of the situation. “We’re hearing from families who are already worried about how they’ll feed their children,” Scharfenberg said. She noted that approximately 3,800 individuals rely on WIC in the area, including 550 infants dependent on formula. It is estimated that meeting the formula needs for infants in the four-county region will cost approximately $100,000 per month, or about 4,800 cans of formula.

The federal shutdown pauses new SNAP/FoodShare benefits after October 31. Even with a resolution, significant delays in benefit distribution are expected, creating a gap for thousands of families.

CFONCW, along with organizations like Healthfirst, United Way, Neighbor’s Place, Health Departments and local churches, is responding quickly to the crisis. Tim Parker, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, emphasized the history of community support. “Our community has repeatedly shown that when a need arises, we come together,” Parker stated. “We’re asking donors, businesses and community members to act quickly to ensure every child and family has access to the nutrition they need.”

Donations to the Formula and Food Insecurity Fund can be made online at cfonwc.org. All contributions will stay local and will be distributed through trusted nonprofit partners.