‘Fresh Veggie Project’ Helps Area Food Pantry

Stop by the Fond du Lac Area Salvation Army food pantry on a summer day and you’re likely to see fresh produce from a local vegetable farm. It’s part of a program called “The Fresh Veggie Project.” The vegetables come from Plowshare Community Farm, located in Waupun. The offerings include a wide range of produce which is delivered June through mid-October. Through donations, the Salvation Army purchases a membership in the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture Farm) each year, and receives twice weekly deliveries.

Jensen has had a long involvement with the Fond du Lac Area Salvation Army. In 2006 and 2007, she served as Kettle Coordinator for the organization and coordinated the annual bell ringing campaign. During this time, she also farmed during the summer. As her business grew, it became difficult to do both activities.

“After two seasons with the Salvation Army, I just wanted to make a contribution to the organization by being their farmer, and growing food for the food pantry,” Jensen said. “I saw a lot of generous donations of produce from local grocery stores, but I think it’s also important to have fresh produce available because the quality and nutrition declines very quickly after harvest.”

Jensen markets her produce through CSA, in which customers purchase a membership for the season and then receive a weekly “share” or box of mixed produce. Starting in 2008, Jensen delivered five shares of produce to the food pantry. In 2009, that increased to 10 shares. The produce from the shares is boxed bulk and distributed on the food pantry shelves for many individuals to pick up.

Denise Shaffer, Community Resources Coordinator for the Salvation Army, has been very involved with organizing the project.

“We find that the ability to add fresh veggies for five months of the year enriches our program and adds fun and interest. As far as we know, our program is unique because it interfaces with the nutrition educators to make it an educational program as well as a food distribution program.”

An important component during the past three years has been the involvement of the Wisconsin Nutrition Educators Program. The nutrition educators work with low-income county residents to provide information about healthy food choices. At the Salvation Army, they participate in the Fresh Veggie Project by preparing samples of the vegetables and serving them to clients who use the food pantry. Food preparation, nutrition info, and recipes are part of the discussion.

Michelle Tideman, UW Extension Family Living Educator and Coordinator of the Wisconsin Nutrition Educator Program, is very positive about their involvement with the Fresh Veggie Project.

“This is a great outreach opportunity to work with families who are receiving the vegetables through the Army.The vegetables provided allow families to try different kinds and varieties of vegetables that might not have been available to them before,” she said.

Funding for the project has been problematic. A couple of area foundations, Aurora Foundation and the Condex Corporation, have provided financial assistance in the past. Last year a number of area banks contributed, along with several individuals. Although funding has always come through for the program, it hasn’t been consistent from year to year.

“We’re still looking for a donor who is a good match for the program,” said Denise Shaffer, development director for the Salvation Army. “What we are looking for is a foundation or individual who has a strong interest in the values of food security plus an interest in supporting local family farms. Our biggest supporter to date has been the Partner Shares program of MACSAC. The program provides partial funding for low income individuals to receive shares of produce.” Although the Partner Shares mostly provides funds to families and individuals, it has recently begun working with food pantries and organizations.

“I’d like this to become a model program for other communities in Wisconsin as well,” said Jensen. “I think it’s a great idea whose time has come. CSA farms have a history of community involvement, and providing food for low-income people is an extension of that mission. There’s plenty of food in this world and there’s absolutely no reason for people to go hungry. I firmly believe that in order for people to work their way out of poverty they need a few basic things—good food, housing, and access to education. The Fresh Veggie Project fills a real need in our community.”

Donations for the Fresh Veggie Project can be sent to the Salvation Army at 237 North Macy Street.