Celebrating 40 Years of
Feeding the Community

This year, we celebrate 40 years of service—from our humble beginnings in a closet at Salem United Church of Christ to becoming one of the largest food pantries in the region. Since 1986, Badger Prairie Needs Network has provided food, dignity, and hope to thousands of neighbors across Dane County.

MAKE A MONTHLY DONATION

Join us in celebrating this monumental milestone with a recurring monthly donation of $40 (or add an extra zero!) and help us keep making a difference in the lives of your neighbors. Becoming a monthly donor provides the stability and security needed to sustain our mission as we continue to see growing demand.

Humble Beginnings

BPNN’s story begins in 1986 when Debbie Bass was approached by the pastor of Salem United Church of Christ who asked, “Would you be the cheese lady?” The government was giving away cheese and asking churches to facilitate. She said “sure” to the task, not knowing it would set the scene for one of the county’s biggest food pantries today.  Last year, Debbie was recognized by Governor Tony Evers for her legacy role in launching what would eventually become Badger Prairie Needs Network. Read the full story in the Verona Press. Link:

Our History

  • The Land

    An early photo of the county property at 1200 E. Verona Avenue. The building in the photo was eventually replaced by a county medical facility, food distribution center and Badger Prairie Needs Network.

  • 1986 - Humble Beginnings

    Our story begins in a small closet at ​Salem United Church of Christ in Verona distributing government cheese and bread. Thanks to Debbie Bass _NEED MORE 

  • 1994 - Verona Library

    The City of Verona provides pantry space in the basement of the Verona Public Library on Franklin Street. Pantry guests can now make choices in a grocery store environment. 

  • 2015 - Move the Food Campaign

    A capital campaign raises funds to move to our current location in a County-owned facility. The name changes to Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) to be more inclusive for households in Fitchburg and south Madison.

  • 2018 - The Packer Tailgate

    A Green Bay Packers tailgate event raises money to build the Prairie Kitchen and Pantry Warehouse. The Kitchen-to-Table food recovery initiative is launched.

  • 2020 - A Worldwide Pandemic

    Demand for food assistance spikes by 72% overnight and BPNN expands service to all of Dane County. The Big Chill capital campaign raises funds to add more cooler space, loading dock, laundry room, and canopy for drive-up distribution shelter.

  • 2022 - The Kasieta Center

    Dane County COVID recovery funds and private donations back the addition of a community and event space. The center’s name was selected by BPNN’s board of directors in recognition of Robert (Bob) and Marcia Kasietas’ extensive contribution to growing and strengthening the organization.

  • 2025 - The Last Build

    The final addition to the building provides much needed warehouse capacity to better distribute 2 million pounds of food and serve 100,000 guests annually. New office and training center offer new opportunities for current and future programs.

The Next 40 Leadership Circle

Presenting Sponsors

  • Kasieta Legal Group

  • Aetherea

  • Ideal Builders

Platinum Sponsor:

SSM Health

Gold Sponsors:

Park Bank

Tracy Burton Properties

Silver Sponsors:

  • Wexford Properties, LLC

  • Junior League of Madison

  • MG&E

Bronze Sponsors:

  • Festival Foods

  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club

  • Alliant Energy Foundation

  • One Community Bank

Community Sponsors:

  • GHC

  • EZ Office Products

  • Zerorez

  • Benjamin Edwards

  • Edward Jones - Matt Miron

  • Vortex Optics

  • Sarah Drew State Farm Agency

  • Verona Chamber of Commerce

  • JSD Professional

  • Specialized Electric