REAP Food Group, a local nonprofit in Madison, is dedicated to fostering connections between families, businesses, and local farmers, while also educating youth on healthy eating habits. Established for over 25 years, REAP obtained nonprofit status in 2002. The organization passionately advocates for the promotion of local food and food-related policies, encouraging individuals to embrace a community-oriented perspective to support nearby farms.
Central to their initiatives is the Farm to School program, which initially focused on educating kids about nutritious eating and introducing them to local, wholesome snack options. Evolving over 15 years, this program transitioned to address the challenges schools face in procuring local produce for school meals. While continuing to offer the healthy snack program in collaboration with the local school district, MMSD, REAP now strives to guide schools towards healthier lunch choices by facilitating the distribution of locally sourced produce. This includes a strong advocacy for healthier school meals and free meal programs.
Another impactful initiative, the Farm to Business program, underscores REAP's commitment to community betterment. Collaborating with both farmers and major institutional buyers, this program facilitates the incorporation of local food into cafeteria offerings. Partnerships with entities such as MMSD, hospitals, EPIC, and Exact Sciences enable REAP to bridge the gap between large companies and local farmers, ensuring access to nutritious and locally grown fare within workplaces. A distinctive aspect of REAP's approach is its emphasis on fostering connections rather than acting solely as a food distribution center.
A recent addition to their community engagement is the launch of a food truck. For the first time, REAP will prepare food onboard using locally sourced ingredients, making it available to the public. The food truck serves as a direct channel to connect consumers with fresh, local produce.
The Farm to Community program consists of the Farm Fresh Atlas Publication, a valuable resource for community members and farmers alike. It provides information on local farmers, their contact details, and distribution outlets like farmers' markets. Accessible online, in public libraries, and select co-ops, the publications cover six regions of Wisconsin. REAP aspires to consolidate these regions into a single comprehensive publication in the coming year. Additionally, the organization coordinates various events, including the annual Harvest Dinner. This event, scheduled for September 30th and October 1st this year, offers workshops, farm tours, and hands-on activities at a specific farm. The highlight is a dinner featuring dishes prepared by four local chefs, showcasing freshly harvested ingredients.
REAP Food Group offers exciting opportunities to spread the word on health and food policy, making a positive impact on the local community. By partnering with local farmers and businesses, providing education in schools, and offering free public resources to encourage local engagement, REAP is fostering a more sustainable and health-conscious community. The future holds the promise of further collaborations with local farmers through the food truck, reinforcing the notion that supporting local enterprises not only benefits them but also bolsters the local economy.
If you're interested in volunteering or donating, head to https://reapfoodgroup.org/.