Join the Fight Against Food Waste: How Dane County’s Farm to Food Bank Program is Making a Difference

In the U.S., a staggering 30 to 40% of food goes to waste. To tackle this, the Farm to Food Bank program in Dane County is making a difference.

Each week, Second Harvest buys fresh produce that local farmers can’t sell at the market. They purchase up to 2,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables every week, putting about $8,000 back into the local farming community. “This program is crucial for farmers, especially when they have extra produce during harvest,” explains Ben Auerbach, Second Harvest Food Sourcing Coordinator.

Mary Uselman, a vendor at the farmers market, shares her perspective. “It benefits both Second Harvest and us farmers. In the summer, we often have so much produce that we can’t sell everything,” she notes.

Once the food is acquired, it’s delivered to a local food bank. Francesca Frisque, Director of Community Food Resources at the Goodman Center, emphasizes the joy this initiative brings. “Seeing all that beautiful produce makes everyone happy. It’s a rewarding experience for our volunteers and our clients.”

The produce then goes to the pantry, where those in need can take it home. “Food pantry customers are just like you or me. They appreciate fresh, local produce just as much,” says Frisque.

Funding for this program comes from donations, and it continues as long as the farmers market operates. It’s a great way to support local farmers while reducing waste.

### The Bigger Picture

Food waste is a major concern globally. According to a 2022 USDA report, over 119 billion pounds of food are wasted yearly in the U.S. alone. Programs like Farm to Food Bank are essential in addressing this, not just by helping those in need, but also by promoting sustainable practices in farming and food distribution.

Moreover, social media has been buzzing with discussions around food waste and local produce. Hashtags like #StopFoodWaste and #FarmToTable are trending, as more people aim to support local initiatives.

Efforts like this go beyond just food distribution; they build community ties and foster a culture of helping each other. Programs like this highlight a growing movement toward sustainable food systems, reminding us that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food.



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Farm to Food Bank program,Dane County,Second Harvest