The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFONCW) has announced the creation of the Formula and Food Insecurities Fund, a rapid-response effort to ensure local families continue to have access to essential nutrition as federal food-assistance programs face disruption during the government shutdown.

Grants from the new fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations in Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, and Taylor Counties that provide formula and distribute food directly to individuals and families in need. This includes local food pantries and agencies that serve as lifelines for those most affected by the loss or delay of government benefits such as SNAP (FoodShare) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).

“We’re hearing from families who are already worried about how they’ll feed their children in the weeks ahead,” said Jessica Scharfenberg, CEO of Healthfirst, which administers the WIC program for the region. “About 3,800 individuals rely on WIC in our area, including 550 infants who depend on formula. With uncertainty around federal funding, local organizations are bracing for an immediate increase in need. It could cost approximately $100,000 per month just to meet the formula needs for infants across our four-county region — roughly 4,800 cans of formula each month.”

This is not an abstract issue. It’s about babies, families, and neighbors who need to eat. The Community Foundation, Healthfirst, United Way, Neighbor’s Place, Health Departments, and local churches are among the organizations responding quickly because hunger can’t wait.

The shutdown pauses new SNAP/FoodShare benefits after October 31, leaving many households without the funds they typically receive at the beginning of each month. Even if a resolution passes, significant delays in benefit distribution are expected, creating a critical gap for thousands of families.

WIC funding, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Wisconsin, is currently projected to last into November, but those dollars may run out more quickly as more families shift to that program to replace lost food assistance.

A Proven Record of Rapid Response

This is not the first time the Community Foundation has stepped up in a crisis. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CFONCW launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund, raising over $600,000 to support emergency needs across the region.

“Our community has repeatedly shown that when a need arises, we come together,” said Tim Parker, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Just as the Community Foundation did during COVID, we’re asking donors, businesses, and community members to act quickly to ensure every child and family has access to the nutrition they need.”

How to Help

Donations to the Formula and Food Insecurity Fund can be made online at the Community Foundation’s website, cfonwc.org. Click on “Give Now” to give online. Or mail in a contribution to:

Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin

200 Washington Street, Suite 120

Wausau, WI 54403.

Please note “Formula and Food Insecurities Fund” in the memo line.

All contributions will stay local and will be distributed through trusted nonprofit partners, which will provide direct assistance to families in need.