For children these times of change can be most difficult to maneuver past. Especially if they are hungry.

That is why we have created FORK NOW

FORK NOW provides emergency, nutritional support for the times when children are confronted with fast declining levels of food security.

Below are several examples of situations when FORK NOW can be implemented:

• Loss of a family sustaining job
• Divorce
• Death of a parent or guardian
• Eviction
• Family Illness
• Fire

To apply for FORK NOW support, please contact your local school district’s Pupil Services representative.

• Northland Pines School District: Katie Stuckemeyer 715-479-8989 ext.4
• Phelps School District: Jason Pertile 715-545-2724 ext. 115
• Three Lakes School District:
  Grades 7-12 Ryan Bock 715-546-3321
  Grades 4K - 6 Cristin Opall 715-546-3323

A child does not need to attend the school but simply live inside these school district boundaries.

Families may be referred to the FORK NOW Committee for benefit approval by Vilas County Social Services.

(FORK NOW help will be available to Three Lakes School District children who live in Oneida County, through their Department of Social Services, in 2025)

In addition to the above listed circumstances, FORK NOW also has partnered with Vilas and Oneida County Foster and Kinship Care efforts to support children who may be at risk.

"When a child is placed in foster or kinship care there can be a time gap between that placement , the first state provided financial support, and long-term services starting. That funding Gap can be up to 8 weeks. This systematic funding delay can potentially create hardship for the family as they strive to ensure adequate nutrition for the children in their care."  Kelly Grady-Pyne, Foster Care Coordinator for Vilas County.

Feed Our Rural Kids also provides FORK NOW support to each child entering a foster or kinship care placement, within the boundaries of the Northland Pines, Phelps and  Three Lakes school districts.

"It is our hope that timely FORK NOW nutritional support will ease the transition both for the child and for the families that accept responsibility for their care.” Dan Beihoff, Chairman for FORK NOW Committee

To learn more about Foster Care or how to become a foster parent:

Vilas County Foster Care - Visit Website

Oneida County Social Services - Call: 715-362-5695