WHY IT MATTERS

Inadequate nutrition has been linked to health and behavioral issues in adults and children and low performance in school. While local pantries appear to be filling the increased requests for food, it’s unclear whether our food assistance system is accessible to all who need help and if there is enough nutritionally adequate food.  We believe we can make a long-term impact on hunger by providing the needed organizational support to lead the Marathon County Hunger Coalition and expand resources to our county’s food safety net.

COMMUNITY FACTS

• In 2008-2011 pantries experienced a 35% increase in requests
• 37% of children in Marathon County qualify for free and reduced lunch
• 18.7% of children under 18 years of age live at or below the poverty level

OUR RESPONSE

• Lead the Marathon County Hunger Coalition 
• Bring groups together to increase food security throughout the county
• Fund food assistance and a community lunch program 

RESULTS

• In 2011, Marathon County Hunger Coalition Partner Pantries filled more 80,000 requests for food assistance

In 2012, the Marathon County Hunger Coalition, in partnership with businesses and foundations:

• Gathered over 4,000 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables for area food pantries
• Collected over 25,000 lbs. of food for food pantries

For more information on United Way's efforts to reduce food insecurity in Marathon County, please contact JoAnn Janikowski at 715-848-2927 or jjanikowski@unitedwaymc.org.

Food Security Impact Team

Marathon County Hunger Coalition

Best Foods to Donate

Get Help (United Way's 2-1-1)

Help for Hard Times Guide

Partner Programs