We are pleased to announce that in this the sixth year of our Seed Money Initiative we have awarded funds to seven innovative programs in Southwest Wisconsin and ten in Southeast Wisconsin. The programs extend our goals to help build healthy, vibrant rural communities in SW Wisconsin and bridge the urban/rural divide in SE Wisconsin. The programs meet needs in both areas with particular emphasis on increasing access to local foods, educating on the value of healthy foods produced using sustainable agriculture methods and combatting food insecurity.
The board reviewed all the applications evaluating whether a project furthered the Network mission and the priorities raised in the Listening/Networking Sessions held in spring 2018 in SW Wisconsin and in 2022 in SE Wisconsin. In addition, they considered whether the projects met these criteria: 1) address a significant community issue; 2) outline an innovative solution to confronting the issue; 3) build a network of individuals/groups to collaborate on the issue and 4) demonstrate energy and commitment to achieve the stated goals.
To see short descriptions of our Seed Money projects, please click here.
Our thanks to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Compeer Financial and Wisconsin Farmers Union for making our 2024 SW Wisconsin Seed Money Grants possible.
Our thanks to an Anonymous Donor for making our 2024 SE Wisconsin Seed Money Grants possible.
It is with regret that we announce that Linda Sheridan, Chair of the Food, Faith and Farming Network Board, has resigned to move on to another chapter in her life. We thank Linda for her networking and marketing abilities, her innovative ideas, her boundless energy, and her passion for our mission. Linda served as Chair for close to a year, having been on the Board since 2020. Before that she served as our Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market Coordinator for 5 years. We thank Linda for her long-term commitment to our mission and the countless hours she has spent conceiving new initiatives and attending to a myriad of details involved in organizing events and managing the everyday activities of the organization.
Linda expressed her commitment to our mission when she became chair of the board: “It is exciting to envision the ways we can continue to connect with people over the issues of the rural/urban divide, educate consumers about the value of locally sourced food, introduce consumers to producers, and help all strive for a healthier planet through conservation practices that honor the sacredness of the land.”
We will miss you and your energy, Linda. Best wishes in your future endeavors.
The Food, Faith and Farming Board
Thank you to ALL who joined us at our Winter Market events this season! We are grateful to have been joined by 14 different vendors this year at 6 events and served 750+ delicious locally-sourced meals all in support of farmers, our vendors, and connections to our local food sources. Whether you hosted, volunteered, vended, served, ate, purchased, or simply stopped by, your presence and support was appreciated! Thank you for a fruitful Winter season!
“Like” our Facebook page or find us on Instagram for event news, photos and updates.
Interested in hosting a market? Want to learn more? Visit our programs page for more details or Contact our Farmers Market Coordinator, Lynn Parkhurst, at lynnparkhurstfffn@gmail.com.
