FoodWIse

FoodWIse: Who We are – What We Do – Where We Work

Important update: The congressional budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4, 2025 ends federal SNAP-Ed funding effective September 30, 2025.

For more than 30 years, UW–Madison Extension has provided local nutrition education across Wisconsin through the federal SNAP-Ed grant program. Working with schools, food pantries, farmers markets, and community centers, FoodWIse has taught practical, evidence-based skills in meal planning, food safety, and food resource management, helping people stretch food dollars and make healthier choices.

Because of this change in federal funding, Extension is currently winding down SNAP-Ed-funded programming. FoodWIse programming will continue through September 30, 2025, with staff winding down between October 1st and December 1st, 2025

We know you may have questions. You can find answers to common questions on our state FoodWIse webpage

Extension will continue the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, and Waukesha counties, which have been identified as ENFEP priority areas in partnership with the National Institute of Agriculture (NIFA). You can learn more about our EFNEP programming here

For questions about local programming, please reach out to Area Extension Director Mary Pardee with your questions. 

FoodWIse is federally funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). We advance healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and healthy community environments for Wisconsin residents with limited incomes through nutrition education at the individual, community and systems levels.

For more information about the FoodWIse Program, visit: FoodWIse: Who We Are – What We Do – Where We Work

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Who Can Receive Education Through FoodWIse?

  • Low income Iron County residents (youth, families, senior citizens) who receive or are eligible for food stamps can receive education through FoodWIse. (Residents who are NOT low income can receive education through Family Living Nutrition Education programs.) All we ask is that you be willing to learn!

In what ways do FoodWIse Educators Teach?

  • Iron County FoodWIse educators teach small and large group lessons at senior citizen dining sites, to youth at schools and after-school & summer programs, to individuals and families in homes and at our Extension office.
  • Iron County FoodWIse educators teach through walk-by exhibits at WIC (Women, Infant, Children program) sites, at county fairs, at Health Departments and other sites.
  • Iron County FoodWIse educators teach through practical demonstrations at grocery stores and other sites, such as the internet.

Recipes

FoodWIse Coordinator, Stephanie Bakker and FoodWIse Nutrition Educator, Deborah Leonard are excited to share some of their favorite healthy recipes that are also pantry and budget friendly. Want to learn more? Be sure to check out the FoodWIse Recipes page!

Ashland, Bayfield, Iron County FoodWIse Newsletters

If you would like to check out our monthly newsletter, visit our Ashland, Bayfield, Iron County FoodWIse Newsletters page!

FoodWIse Reports

FoodWIse is federally funded statewide by the the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). To read more about the FoodWIse Impact in Iron County visit our FoodWIse Reports page!

Related Links of Interest

 

Questions?

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If you would like to learn more about FoodWIse Nutrition Education in Iron County, please contact:

Deborah Leonard
FoodWIse Educator (Ashland, Bayfield, Iron Counties)

Extension Iron County
300 Taconite Street, Suite 118
Hurley, WI 54534
Phone: 715-561-2695

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Stephanie Bakker
FoodWIse Coordinator (Ashland, Bayfield, Iron Counties)

Extension Bayfield County
117 E 5th Street
PO Box 218
Washburn, WI 54891
Phone: 715-373-3294

 

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