The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Marbleseed announced 125 Wisconsin farmers have been awarded funds through the 2024 Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) program. Recipients were awarded amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to grow and provide food for hunger relief efforts across the state. The farmers and farms selected represent 49 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

More than 95 percent of those awarded are part of a socially disadvantaged or historically underserved community. Of those, 55 percent are new or beginning farmers, 42 percent of the farms are woman owned, and 38 percent are farmers that are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). These farmers will provide their local products to communities in need throughout the state. Through technical assistance and events, these farmers will also have the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in expanding their farms into wholesale markets.

For a complete list of Direct to Farmer grant awardees and where their farms are located go to https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6568e241f8d288235b676fcd/t/662b06d31f65d76f79475be8/1714095828998/2024+DIRECT+TO+FARM+GRANTEES.pdf. Included on the list are Amongst the Weeds in Neillsville, Moody Root Farm LLC in Dorchester, and Rue de Bungaloo Farm in Medford.

For more information, visit wilocalfood.org.