MADISON, Wis. — Dane County and the Badger Prairie Needs Network are opening an expanded cold storage unit to help meet emergency food needs during the pandemic.
According to a release Wednesday morning, the $765,000 expansion at BPNN includes 1,000 square feet of additional cold storage, a loading dock for contact-free receiving from food banks, and an outdoor canopy to protect volunteers and guests from winter weather and ensure continuity of emergency food distribution operations.
In a statement, County Executive Joe Parisi said: “This investment allows our community’s food distribution system to better serve those struggling with food insecurity during this unprecedented time. Taking these steps will keep local supply chains strong—ensuring our community members continue to have access to healthy, nutritious meals.”
Earlier in 2020, Dane County retained four cold storage semi-trailers to help Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin store more meat, dairy and fresh produce.
The release said hunger in Dane County is at an all-time high, with BPNN and other large food pantries seeing a 63% increase in requests for food assistance.
Officials said the new cooler storage will increase BPNN’s capacity to serve as a drop-point for foods that smaller west-side pantries need on hand but have no space to store.
The added cooler space will also allow BPNN to permanently expand its service area to include all Dane Country households struggling with food insecurity.
COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
