United Way recently issued an update to the 2010 Food for Tomorrow Report.  This 2015 report includes information gathered during a survey conducted with food pantry consumers, county-wide secondary data related to food security and some recommendations on improving certain aspects of the community food system in Sheboygan County.

The United Way report coupled with an analysis prepared by a team of University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, School of Architecture and Urban Planning graduate students have spearheaded conversations on how interested community organizations can begin building collaborations to assist in improving the community food system in three key areas: Food Access, Food Economy and Food Education. 

United Way’s strives to build a stronger and healthier Sheboygan County though effectively facilitating community resources, convening broad dialogue and focusing on area of highest needs. As part of this mission, United Way has focused some program resources on food security since 2011.  Food security involves four key elements: availability, accessibility, adequacy and dependability of supply.  In brief, food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. The actual number of individuals or households in Sheboygan County who struggle to feed their families is unknown.

What we do know from information collected and shared in the most recent Food for Tomorrow report is that each month about 2,500 households are served by the ten food pantries that are members of the Sheboygan County Food Bank. Based on the survey of 181 pantry consumers, on an average a pantry consumer goes to at least 2 pantries each month to meet their household needs for food. There is an increasing reliance on pantries with 62% of the survey participants reporting that the pantry is where they get most of their food.

Secondary data demonstrates an increase in the number of children in the school free and reduced nutrition program.  All but one reporting school district saw an increase, from October of 2009 to October of 2013, ranging from 1.4% to 11.9%.  About 5,384 children in Sheboygan County are experiencing hunger or 1 in 5 children.

The Food for Tomorrow report included three recommendations and one suggestion.  A key recommendation is to establish a steering committee (a formal body of key stakeholders) to lead and guide food system efforts using a collective impact model. More information on this recommendation and the other recommendations can be found in the report at http://www.uwofsc.org/assets/Food-for-Tomorrow/Food-for-Tomorrow-Report-August-2015.pdf .

As United Way works with other community organizations in addressing food security, each of us may be able to find a way to help.  One way you can help is to join me at Harvest for the Hungry on Tuesday, October 20^th anytime between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for lunch or between 5 – 8 p.m. for dinner in the hospitality tent located at the Shops at Woodlake in Kohler. Consider donating to the Sheboygan County Food Bank and member pantries at upcoming food drive events.  A list of suggested items can be found on the United Way website at www.uwofsc.org.