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University of Wisconsin-Extension

Community Food Security

Community food security is “a situation in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice.”

Hamm and Bellows, 2003

The Community Food Systems Program advances this vision through our food sovereignty and justice work and by strengthening the link between local food production and household food security in partnership with Tribal Nations, state and local agencies, community-based partners and other Extension Programs including FoodWIse, Healthy Eating and Active Living, and Master Gardeners Volunteers.

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Dad and daughter cutting fresh vegetables for dinner

Wisconsin Food Security Project

The components of food security in Wisconsin are economic security; federal food and nutrition programs; a strong emergency food network; and a vibrant, accessible, affordable food system. This resource provides information about food security in Wisconsin to help local stakeholders, planners, and policymakers identify strengths, risk factors and gaps in their communities.

community garden lined with spoons

Community Gardens

Community gardens can help households improve their food security by providing a supplemental source of seasonal produce while also creating opportunities to interact with other community members. In some cases, community gardens simply provide affordable growing space for households, while others provide direct programming, such as the Growing Together collaborative.


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How to accept FoodShare (SNAP) benefits at your farmers market

How to accept FoodShare (SNAP) benefits at your farmers market

Explore resources for farmers markets that accept or want to get set up to accept FoodShare benefits

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Division of Extension

Connecting people with the University of Wisconsin

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Community Development at Extension

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Extension Partners

  • Farm Management
  • FoodWIse
  • Healthy Eating and Active Living
  • Horticulture
  • Livestock
  • Master Gardener

Other UW-Madison Resources

  • Center for Cooperatives
  • Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
  • College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • College of Letters and Sciences
  • Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture
  • School of Human Ecology
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