Hunger Task Force’s Connecting Farms to Families Program Links Wisconsin Emergency Food Providers with Fresh Produce from Maiv Flower Farm

Pa Thao grew up in a farming family. When she came to the United States as a child refugee, her mother began farming in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, so the family could enjoy a bounty of fresh vegetables native to their culture that she was unable to find at the local grocery store. Helping her mother prepare for and sell at local farmers’ markets as a teenager, Pa developed a strong love for agriculture and a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to run a successful farm. Today, Pa and her mother run Maiv Flower Farm and joined the Connecting Farms to Families program to ensure their healthy produce makes its way onto shelves at food pantries across Wisconsin.

At Maiv Flower Farm, Pa and her mother grow peas, carrots and bell peppers for the Connecting Farms to Families program. To ensure they can meet the demand of participating emergency food organizations, they dedicate 25% of the farm to growing the fresh vegetables for the program.

“Seeds and gas are expensive. Really, everything else is expensive. To know that even though it costs much more to grow fresh vegetables than it did in previous years, the produce from our farm is going to feed my local community brings me joy,” shares Pa. “I remember waiting in line to get food from a local pantry as a child. There typically are not fresh options. If I grow food, I want to be able to give it back to small communities – like I grew up in – to not only help uplift them but also foster community since food brings people together.”

As a participating producer in the program, Pa sees the growing list of emergency food providers from across the state who order fresh produce from her farm.

“It feels so good to know that a little farm here in Eau Claire is having an impact across Wisconsin. I am proud of the love and dedication we put into our operation. To know that our food is going to feed thousands of people where they need it most is really heartwarming,” Pa adds.

Maiv Flower Farm spans 20 acres on the rolling hills of Wheaton and is a small you-pick flower and vegetable farm. For more information, visit www.maivflowerfarm.com. 

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.