Project Summary

Join a Partnership and Work Together for Change

The Wisconsin Food System Partnership brings people from the community and the university together in partnerships to build a more food-secure future for all.

The program provides small grants and other support to community-university partners for a wide range of teaching, research, service, and action projects.

We seek projects that will strengthen the food system by pooling knowledge and resources from both the community and the university. These new partnerships will improve the capacity of the community and of the university and its students to meet the future needs of society.

The program also encourages projects that benefit underserved groups with high levels of persistent poverty. Projects should provide community-based learning opportunities for students as well.

What is the food system?

The food system involves people, the environment, and agriculture. It includes the following linked set of activities and organizations:

• agriculture and agribusiness;
• natural resources and the environment;
• rural and urban community development;
• health and nutrition;
• biology and biotechnology;
• science education;
• international development; and
• public policy.

What are partners doing?

Some new partnerships have pilot projects in the following areas:

• urban food systems in Madison and Milwaukee;
• community scholars;
• science education and employment development;
• public issues forums;
• land use research; and
• updating the Wisconsin Idea.

Our "Vision" for the future

The Wisconsin Food System Partnership seeks a more food-secure world with less poverty and a plentiful food supply that is varied, enjoyable, safe, and healthy.

Food should be produced and distributed in profitable, fair, and environmentally sound ways that:

• invigorate and regenerate the earth and its people;
• equitably address local, regional, and global needs;
• are consistent with community resources and objectives; and
• take advantage of the most useful information and technology.

We support people from the community and the university who join as partners to make this Vision become a reality.

We invite you to share your ideas for other new partnerships and projects that will advance our Vision.

Who guides the Partnership?

A diverse planning board of people from the community and the university developed The Wisconsin Food System Partnership. Guidance and insights come from:

• urban and rural residents;
• minority populations;
• community-based organizations;
• health-care providers;
• nutritionists;
• farmers and agribusiness;
• biotechnology enterprises;
• environmental and conservation groups;
• university students;
• faculty, staff, and administrators; and
• international development groups.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences administers the program for the Madison campus, the UW-System, UW-Extension, and other UW campuses at Milwaukee, River Falls, Platteville, and Stevens Point.

Funding for 1996-2000 is provided by the universities and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which also cosponsors 11 similar programs around the country.

Get Involved

You are invited to join ongoing projects and to share your ideas for other new partnerships and projects that will advance the Vision.

Let's Talk

Please contact us to share your ideas, get more information, volunteer your support, and/or propose partnerships and projects that will advance the Vision.

Kenneth H. Shapiro, Program Director (or)

Sharon Baumgartner, Administrator

University of Wisconsin-Madison

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

240 Agriculture Hall, 1450 Linden Drive

Madison, WI 53706-1562

Tel: (608) 262-1271

Fax: (608) 262-8852

Email: smbaumga@facstaff.wisc.edu