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. 

• 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!

• 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.

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!

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

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!

• MyPlate
• Fight BAC!® Partnership for Food Safety Education
• Gateway to U.S. Government Food Safety Information
• Nutrition.gov (Guide to Nutrition & Health Information on Federal Government websites)
• USDA Food Safety Information
• American Dietetic Association
• American Heart Association
• American Diabetes Association
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• Nutrition & Physical Activity information from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• FDA Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
• Food Safety & Health (UW Extension Food Safety and Food Preservation Information)
• National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia)
• Food$ense