Formula and Food Insecurities Fund

The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFONCW) has announced the creation of the Fond za formulu i nesigurnost hrane, a rapid-response effort to ensure local families continue to have access to essential nutrition as federal food-assistance programs face disruption during the government shutdown.

About the role

Grants from the new fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations in Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, and Taylor Counties that provide formula and distribute food directly to individuals and families in need. This includes local food pantries and agencies that serve as lifelines for those most affected by the loss or delay of government benefits such as SNAP (FoodShare) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).

“We’re hearing from families who are already worried about how they’ll feed their children in the weeks ahead,” said Jessica Scharfenberg, CEO of Healthfirst, which administers the WIC program for the region. “About 3,800 individuals rely on WIC in our area, including 550 infants who depend on formula. With uncertainty around federal funding, local organizations are bracing for an immediate increase in need. It could cost approximately $100,000 per month just to meet the formula needs for infants across our four-county region — roughly 4,800 cans of formula each month.”

Responsibilities

• Direct grants to nonprofit organizations providing formula and food distribution in Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, and Taylor Counties.
• Support local food pantries and agencies serving families affected by disruptions in federal food-assistance programs.
• Address immediate nutritional needs, particularly for infants and families relying on WIC and SNAP benefits.

Benefits

• Ensures access to essential nutrition for families and infants during federal funding disruptions.
• Strengthens the local safety net by supporting food pantries and nonprofit agencies.
• Builds community resilience for future crises, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

How to contribute

If you’d like to explore the best donation strategy for you, the CFONCW team is available to assist. Contact Michelle Gleason, Director of Development, for more information:

• Email: michelle@cfoncw.org
• Phone: (715) 845-9555

Update as of November 24, 2025

With the reopening of the government and reinstatement of food program funding, the Community Foundation shared an important update about the Formula & Food Insecurities Fund. During the shutdown, the community responded quickly and generously. Thanks to this support, families facing sudden gaps in food assistance had resources to turn to. Donated funds will continue to be allocated as intended—to meet urgent food needs in the region. The rapid response also ensures better preparedness in case of another government shutdown in January.