“We’re hearing from families who are already worried about how they’ll feed their children in the weeks ahead,” said Jessica Scharfenberg, CEO of Healthfirst, which administers the WIC program for the region. “About 3,800 individuals rely on WIC in our area, including 550 infants who depend on formula. With uncertainty around federal funding, local organizations are bracing for an immediate increase in need. It could cost approximately $100,000 per month just to meet the formula needs for infants across our four-county region — roughly 4,800 cans of formula each month.”

This is not an abstract issue. It’s about babies, families, and neighbors who need to eat. The Community Foundation, Healthfirst, United Way, Neighbor’s Place, Health Departments, and local churches are among the organizations responding quickly because hunger can’t wait.

As the shutdown continues, and contingency funding will only partially alleviate the full need, many households lack the funds they typically receive at the beginning of each month. Even if a resolution passes, significant delays in benefit distribution are expected, creating a critical gap for thousands of families.

WIC funding, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Wisconsin, is currently projected to last into November, but those dollars may run out more quickly as more families shift to that program to replace lost food assistance.

A Proven Record of Rapid Response

This is not the first time the Community Foundation has stepped up in a crisis. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CFONCW launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund, raising over $600,000 to support emergency needs across the region.

“Our community has repeatedly shown that when a need arises, we come together,” said Tim Parker, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Just as the Community Foundation did during COVID, we’re asking donors, businesses, and community members to act quickly to ensure every child and family has access to the nutrition they need.”

November 24, 2025 update:

With the government reopened and food programs funded again, we want to share an important update on our Formula & Food Insecurities Fund.

Let’s connect

If you’d like to explore the best giving strategy for you, our team is here to help. Thank you for your generosity and for making our community stronger, today and for generations to come.

Email Michelle Gleason, Development Director: michelle@cfoncw.org
Call our office: (715) 845-9555

Michelle Gleason
Development Director