Madison Reporter

For the past 40 years, WayForward Resources—formerly known as Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM)—has been a reliable source of food for local community members. However, they have now reached a critical point where their existing resources cannot keep up with the escalating need for food aid. This is the first time in the organization's history that they are reaching out to the community for assistance to continue their mission.

WayForward is distributing more food than ever before, an increase its leaders attribute to significant nationwide trends that are particularly intense in the local area. Contributing factors include a sharp increase in housing expenses, escalating food prices, and the conclusion of Covid-era financial support programs that previously helped many households afford food and rent during the pandemic.

Visits to WayForward’s food pantry have nearly tripled over the past two years, and they are now distributing the equivalent of 100,000 meals each month. Approximately 75% of the households depending on WayForward's food pantry include children, many residing within the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. These families face increasing portions of their budgets devoted to rent while their earnings fail to match rising costs. Additionally, several are single-parent households struggling to balance sufficient work hours with childcare responsibilities outside school times.

There is no sign of decreasing need. The number of children in Dane County who are food insecure increased from 7.5% in 2021 to 12.6% in 2022, according to Feeding America data. WayForward’s spike in need began in 2022.

While WayForward’s pantry has seen a constant and drastic increase in need, the amount of food it has been able to distribute per household has dropped. Pantry guests are taking home less food per visit this year than last year. WayForward’s goal is to distribute at least 16 pounds per household per visit; however, last year’s average was 14 pounds compared with 18 pounds the previous year.

At the same time, there is less free food available for WayForward due to recent changes in the food system resulting in less surplus going to pantries. Traditional suppliers also struggle with overwhelming demand.

WayForward now estimates it would need twice its original budgeted amount for food to meet ongoing needs. Ellen Carlson, WayForward’s Executive Director, notes that this critical gap exists despite meeting its fundraising budget last year. The staff has worked hard to secure new grants, find new food rescue partners, and reach out for support from individuals and businesses but it is no longer enough.

“We know our community has both the resources and generosity to address this gap,” says Carlson. “We remain confident in our ability to effectively provide services... We believe that together with our community’s support we can make sure people don’t have to experience hunger.”

Both financial and food donations can help meet this gap. Food can also be purchased directly from their Amazon wish list.

For more information on how you can support WayForward Resources during this challenge contact Leslie Huber at leslie@wayforwardresources.org.

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