For the past 40 years, WayForward Resources—once known as Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM)—has been a reliable source of food for our local community members. Yet, they've reached a critical point where their existing resources cannot keep up with the escalating need for food aid. This marks the first occasion in the organization's long-standing 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 our local area. Factors contributing to this surge include a sharp increase in housing expenses, escalating food prices, and the conclusion of Covid-era financial support programs that previously aided many households in affording food and rent throughout the pandemic.
Visits to WayForward’s food pantry have nearly tripled during 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 to nourish their families include children, with many residing within the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. These families are experiencing an increase in the portion of their budgets devoted to rent, while their earnings fail to match the rising costs of food and housing. Additionally, several are single-parent households facing the challenge of balancing sufficient work hours with childcare responsibilities outside of school times.
There is no sign of the need decreasing. The number of children in Dane County who are food insecure increased from 7.5% in 2021 to 12.6% in 2022, according to the most recent data available from Feeding America. WayForward’s spike in need started in 2022.
But while WayForward’s pantry has seen constant and drastic increase in need, the amount of food it has been able to give out to each household has dropped.
As a result, pantry guests are taking home less food per visit this year than they did last year. WayForward’s goal is to distribute at least 16 pounds per household per visit, but last year the average was 14 pounds, compared with 18 pounds the year before.
At the same time, there is a lot less food available to WayForward for free. Recent changes in the food system mean there is less surplus food going to pantries. Traditional suppliers are also struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand.
WayForward now estimates that it would need to spend twice what it originally budgeted to spend on food to meet the ongoing need. Ellen Carlson, WayForward’s Executive Director, notes that this critical gap exists despite the organization meeting its fundraising budget last year. WayForward’s staff has worked hard to make up the difference as demand increased — secured new grants, found new food rescue partners, and reached out to individuals and businesses to secure support. It is no longer enough to meet the ongoing need.
“We know our community has both the resources and generosity to address this gap. And we remain confident in our ability to effectively provide services,” Carlson says. “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 WayForward meet this gap. You can also purchase food directly from their Amazon wish list.
Please reach out to Leslie Huber, WayForward’s Strategic Engagement Director, leslie@wayforwardresources.org if you would like to talk more about how you can support WayForward in meeting this challenge.