The Connecting Farms to Families Program enables West CAP to Stock its Pantry with Locally Sourced Beef, Pork and Cheese

Jun 17, 2026

Hunger Task Force launched Connecting Farms to Families to address statewide hunger. As the recipient of a $2.5M grant through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), this funding — part of a $10 million investment in Wisconsin’s 2025-27 state budget created by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature — connects local nonprofit food assistance programs with local producers to keep pantry shelves stocked with nutritious and locally produced food.

Through Connecting Farms to Families, Hunger Task Force uses 100% of grant funds to support hunger relief programs across Wisconsin including West CAP which works to promote the self-sufficiency of low-income families in the rural communities of west central Wisconsin.

“When I learned that we could use funding to procure local products to support small businesses in our community and feed people, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the program,” shared Melissa McCarthy, food access and resources manager for the West CAP Food Pantry. “We’re in a town of about 1,000 people. Being able to have this chunk of money go directly into our local economy and help provide locally produced products to our neighbors in need has been amazing.”

Through Connecting Farms to Families, West CAP received a $25,000 grant. With it, Melissa has purchased a variety of cheese from Ellsworth Dairy Cooperative and Burnett Dairy, local cheese providers, and meat from three local providers. West CAP’s grant funding enables the food pantry to provide fresh cheese every month, a variety of cuts of beef in June and August and pork in June.

In the recent months, more new families are visiting West CAP to get help stocking their shelves at home.

“When people shop here, I encourage them to grab between 40 – 50 lbs. of food for their household that includes dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables because groceries are unaffordable for so many people right now,” adds Melissa. “Our local producers love that their product is getting out there in the hands and in the homes of people who are in need. They’re really liking the idea that they’re helping people locally.”

Melissa noted that a huge benefit of this grant is the flexibility for her to select the items that will meet the taste and dietary preferences of the neighbors she serves. For the first time, the pantry will offer more than just hamburger meat. It will continue to offer a variety of cuts of beef and pork so families can choose which style they’d like to prepare.

“This has been really encouraging. The past year has been kind of stressful with the unknowns of CSFP and TEFAP and I was worried about the future of this food pantry,” adds Melissa. “The Connecting Farms to Families program gave me hope and excitement again. It proves how important advocating for food security programs is to make a difference.”

The West CAP food pantry is open on Thursdays from 1 – 7 p.m. and is located on 823 Main Street in Boyceville, Wisconsin.

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.