Hunger Task Force’s Connecting Farms to Families Program Ensures a Steady Market for Fresh Produce from Orange Cat Community Farm

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 purchase fresh produce from Wisconsin growers – like Orange Cat Community Farm – and producers to ensure households needing food support have consistent access to healthy items at their local pantry.

Orange Cat Community Farm was connected to Hunger Task Force through the LFPA Program which was terminated by the USDA in 2025. A season after this program abruptly ended, owner Laura Mortimore is appreciative to have state support of her farm. 

“For 17 seasons, my farm has been primarily a CSA farm because I don’t have the transportation capabilities to expand,” shares Laura. “To have a partnership with DATCP, Hunger Task Force and the Wisconsin Food Hub that enables my produce to be purchased for and transported to people in need across the state of Wisconsin is really special. Having Wisconsin dedicate funding to this program is a vote of support and confidence for hardworking farmers like myself.” 

To provide a consistent variety of produce, Laura and her team dedicate about 15 percent of the farmland to grow and harvest fresh produce for the program which is nearly 20 cases of vegetables every week. From radishes to bok choy and lettuce to scallions, the farm provides produce that meet diverse cultural preferences.

“Being a part of the community of growers and producers supported by this program inspires me to keep going and keep improving the farm to grow more vegetables,” adds Laura. “If I know this program will be offered again next year, I would absolutely further expand my yield.”

Hunger Task Force is Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader and Free & Local food bank. 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.