In both Oneida & Vilas County, WI, a remarkable grassroots initiative is making an impact. Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating child food insecurity, is a testament to what can be achieved when local residents come together with a shared mission. This organization, born from the collective efforts of community members, is transforming the lives of children and families in their own backyard.

A Grassroots Beginnings

FORK is a powerful example of grassroots activism. The organization was founded by community members who recognized a pressing issue in their own neighborhoods. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural families, they set out to create a solution from the ground up.

The founding members were motivated by a common goal to provide nutritional support to children from food insecure homes across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps School Districts. Their commitment and passion led to the establishment of an organization that relies on local support and volunteerism to drive its mission forward.

Addressing a Critical Need

The Northwoods also faces significant challenges related to food insecurity. For many families in this rural area, accessing affordable, nutritious food can be difficult due to the distance to grocery stores and limited resources. This issue is exacerbated during weekends and school breaks when children lose access to their regular school meals.

Feed Our Rural Kids was created to address this gap. The organization’s grassroots nature allows it to stay deeply connected to the community’s needs, ensuring that their efforts are both relevant and effective. By focusing on the specific needs of their community, they have created a model that not only addresses food insecurity but also strengthens community bonds.

Key Initiatives

The organization focuses on multiple key initiatives:

• Meal Packs: Many children rely on school meals for a significant portion of their daily nutrition. During weekends and school breaks, Feed Our Rural Kids provides nutritious meal packs that families can take home, ensuring that children have access to food even when school is out.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local schools, businesses, and volunteers, the organization maximizes its impact through a network of support. These partnerships help to gather resources, distribute food, and spread awareness about the issue of food insecurity.
• Charitable Endowment:  In addition to providing meals, Feed Our Rural Kids works to provide financial support and long-term sustainability to all of our community's efforts to feed kids, both FORK managed programs as well as to the many programs run by other food support organizations across all of the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps School Districts. More than ever, FORK's Legacy Fund stands as a 'Legacy of Hope' for generations of kids to come.

FORK works to ensures that every child in the tri-community area has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. This success story serves as an inspiring reminder of how local action can lead to meaningful change.

The success and spirit of Feed Our Rural Kids is driven by several core initiatives and is rooted in community involvement. To learn more about FORK tune in to our podcast Beyond the Bell with WOSTA, From Grassroots to Greatness featuring Perry Pokrandt, founder of Feed Our Rural Kids.