Thank you for your considered generosity! In 2023 Farmshed continued to expand its mission in building a more resilient local food economy in significant ways. 

Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program- Led by our Sib Pab Program Director, this program gave Farmshed the opportunity to expand its work in food security and help more small farms prepare their farms for wholesale markets. Working with over 10 small farms, Farmshed was able to facilitate ove $120,000.00 dollars in growing contracts. Farmshed then served as the end user of the product. This ment we aggregated the produce and expanded our partnership to food pantries across central Wisconsin. This food served OperationBoot BootStrap, Interfaith Food Pantry, The Mobile Pantry, Waushara county food pantry and Montello Food Pantry. Staff worked with farms in providing technical assistance to fill out grant applications, forecast growing and provide resources and guidance in preparing the farm to be compliant with wholesale requirements. 

Food Operations Director Hired- With a successful grant award of $537,266.00, Farmshed was able to hire a Food Operations Director. This position will activate our new processing service programming for small farms. Since 2020 Farmshed has been hard at work analyzing gaps in services offered to small farms. We identified the barriers in finding value added markets, and the lack of services in regards to food manufacturing. Farmshed is excited to continue the legacy of frozen assets as a service that will better drive our mission to all farms across the state. Piloting this project starting in 2021 has already led to more schools sourcing local and some farms providing consumers with frozen sauces or even frozen vegetables to CSA members and farmers market visitors. It is the goal of this programing to continue to help the beloved farmers grow!

Farmshed Board of Directors is currently undergoing a strategic planning exercise. Farmshed is excited for the new programs, we are not only building health equity but also economic development. The Board of Directors understands the fact that this is very new. Also understand that traditional programs may be disbanded and or look somewhat different. The planning committee will soon be asking for your feedback. So please, get involved and help us make Farmshed a greater asset to the community!

We appreciate your donation and THANK YOU for being a part of our impact!

Thank you so much for your donation and for supporting Farmshed!