A new regional partnership is strengthening food security in Door County by delivering affordable, locally grown potatoes, and other produce, directly to area food pantries.

Through a collaboration led by UW–Madison Extension, pantries in Door and Kewaunee counties are pooling resources to increase buying power and cut transportation costs. Extension staff member Laura Apfelbeck has helped connect rural pantries with growers to create a sustainable, long-term distribution model.

The effort, known as “The Spud Run,” launched after funding for the USDA-backed Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program ended last January, leaving many rural pantries without a consistent source of fresh produce.

“If you are dependent on a food pantry and the pantry consistently doesn’t have food, how do you plan a meal?” Apfelbeck said. Seeking reliable options, she added, “I wrote to the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association to say that I’m looking for a consistent supply of produce that has a long shelf life.”

Apfelbeck identified Alsum Farms & Produce as a supplier willing to provide 50-pound bags of russet potatoes, and deliver to Manitowoc. Because Alsum does not deliver directly to Door or Kewaunee counties, Grow It Forward stepped in to transport the potatoes north. “Part of Grow It Forward’s mission is to become a method of bringing more food beyond just their pantry,” Apfelbeck said.

Rural pantries face added challenges. They sometimes also lack the proper loading docks or personnel to complete larger deliveries. “Not everyone has the staff, some pantries only have a volunteer pantry manager,” Apfelbeck noted. 

Despite those hurdles, Apfelbeck says that the collaborative model is helping ensure fresh, quality food reaches families across the peninsula for years to come.