Public Policy & Advocacy

Feeding Wisconsin works to educate elected officials and policymakers on the issue of hunger and advocates for improving public and private hunger solutions.

While the problem of hunger itself is complex, the solutions are within our grasp and consistent with the shared community values that guide good public policy.

Our work in public policy is guided by our mission and consistent with the values that are broadly shared by by everybody living in our state:

• That our Wisconsin families have the access to the food and benefits during hard times so they can work and focus on turning their lives around
• That our Wisconsin children have the nutritious food they need to be healthy and to be prepared to learn in school
• That our food banks and food pantries have the resources and food they need to provide high quality, nutritious emergency food assistance to those who need it

We believe that together, we can end hunger through strong public policies at both the state and federal levels working in tandem with a vibrant private charitable sector.

When you give your voice to help us advocate for strong public policies that fight hunger, you are making an important contribution toward building sustainable hunger solutions.  

Take a moment learn more about current state and federal policies, sign up to be a Feeding Wisconsin Hunger Fighter and take action on our advocacy page. 

Wisconsin's inaugural Hunger Advocacy Institute

Please join Feeding Wisconsin's inaugural Hunger Advocacy Institute where you'll get tips and strategies for telling the story of increasing access to fresh food for our families and communities. The Hunger Advocacy Institute is a 4-month, hybrid (in-person and virtual) leadership and advocacy institute. Applicants should have a passion for transformational change and a desire to create sustainable solutions to hunger in our communities.

All participants will be required to attend one in person training at their location of choice (training locations: Ashland, Eau Claire, Madison, and Waukesha) and all two-hour virtual sessions to be held on Wednesday, March 19th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday April 30th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, May 28th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday June 25th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm). Stipends are available to help with travel expenses.

To reserve your spot, register here. Questions? Contact Jackie Anderson at janderson@feedingwi.org.

Why is this important? 

Most food pantries have seen their attendance rise over the past couple of years. Most folks we talk to have seen more new families struggle to put food on the table...and food pantries have had a tough time finding the food and resources to meet the need. This year, the State of Wisconsin is deciding how to spend $87 BILLION including their $4 BILLION budget surplus. We think they should support families and partners that are working to feed their communities. Nearly every other state in the country prioritizes hunger in their State Budget....except Wisconsin. No decision maker will act unless we ask them to, and help them to understand what we all see every day in our neighborhoods.

Who should attend the Hunger Advocacy Institute? 

Anyone who has been frustrated by not being able to meet the need in their community. Food Pantry volunteers, staff, or food-pantry guests who want a playbook on how to solve problems through community and government. Prior advocacy experience is not necessary. Feeding Wisconsin is seeking community members who can demonstrate a passion for making a difference and are eager to learn about actual policy solutions to hunger and food insecurity.

Ambassadors are required to attend an in-person session and a virtual session. Check here for session dates and locations.

What sort of time commitment is needed for the Hunger Advocacy Institute? 

Participants can expect to commit between two and three hours per month throughout the program. We do not require time outside of the sessions, however participants can request one-on-one meetings if they choose.

How much does this cost? 

Nothing! In fact, participants are compensated $100 for attending and completing the program.

What do participants get out of the program?

Hunger Advocacy Institute graduates leave with a complete set of tools to make effective asks to local lawmakers, and an understanding on how our State government can be a partner with us in solving hunger. They'll receive coaching on public speaking, story telling, using community data to tell their story, and workshops that build confidence and skills. They’ll leave with a supportive cohort of other graduates after building relationships over the course of the program. Feeding Wisconsin will provide continued support, guidance, and leadership opportunities for graduates that want to continue this work.