Our Mission
It’s our mission is to fight poverty and end hunger locally. To change the world and the economic trajectory of generations.
Our Vision
We envision a strong, healthy community where access to nutritional food is readily available and where hunger, at its worst, is a temporary state and not a way of life.
Who We Are
In continuous operation since 1986, Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and ending hunger. We operate a grocery-style food pantry that serves food-insecure households throughout Dane County. We offer a free Community Meal two Saturdays each month and career development opportunities in the Kasieta Center. The commercial-grade Prairie Kitchen offers nutrition education and is home to our Kitchen to Table initiative. We provide access to Joining Forces for Families social workers and free legal advocacy focused on ending homelessness and leveling the playing field for people with limited financial means. Our work is guided by a Board of Directors and an all-volunteer leadership team. We have over 1100 volunteers on our roster.
Who We Help
The pandemic was hard on families. Inflation is causing even more hardship. We serve anyone in Dane County needing food assistance. In more than 65% of households we serve, at least one adult is working. Many hold two jobs, but they simply don't earn enough to make ends meet. In August, 42% of the individuals we served were children and seniors. These are individuals with disabilities, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and folks who have fallen on tough times or are temporarily unemployed. Over 37% of those BPNN helped feed last year were children. Spanish is the native language for more than 40% of our guests.
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