FORK distributes new Food Security Resource Guide

Distribution is underway for Feed Our Rural Kids’ (FORK’s) updated 2026 Food Security Resource Guide.

The resource guide was created in partnership with the Vilas and Oneida departments of Human Services. The goal for this program was to address this area’s need for a comprehensive and accurate directory of programs and sources for food support across the North Woods.

This year, FORK will distribute more than 170 resource guides to educators, counselors, social workers, law enforcement, pastors and priests. Guides also will go to food pantry directors, homeless shelters, county officials, school district administration, and others who are on the front lines in the fight against food insecurity in Vilas and Oneida counties.

Throughout the year, FORK collects updated information regarding all the food support programs available to local residents, redistributing the new info in the following year’s updated resource guide.

Vilas County Human Services Director Valerie Wielhouwer explained that resource information is always changing.

“Programs come and go, hours of operation change, program qualifications change, and contact information is in constant flux,” she said. “The human resource departments’ resources are limited. Tracking these ongoing changes challenged our team members in their efforts to council residents in need of nutritional support.”

As those changes are ongoing, FORK constantly updates the online version of the resource guide, ensuring that there is always an updated source of accurate information to be referenced.

“Our online resource guide ensures that our area professionals always have accurate information by which they can advise food insecure families,” said FORK President Perry Pokrandt. “Additionally, all area residents have access to this same information at feedourruralkids.org/resource-locator. The online resource locator provides a directory of available food support resources within each of the area’s communities.”

Wielhouwer explained that food support programs are available to area households based on their residence. “The resource locator shows what programs are available to residents based on the community in which they live.”

Individuals can also access this information by calling FORK’s Family Food Helpline at 888-479-FORK (3675). The call is answered by professionals who help area residents connect with the programs that will best meet their needs.

The Family Food Helpline is available to residents of all ages.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.