WE ARE HERE
TO HELP


Vision

We envision a strong, healthy community where access to nutritional food is readily available and where hunger, at its worst, is a temporary state and not a way of life.  ​

Mission

It’s our mission is to fight poverty and end hunger locally.  To change the world and the economic trajectory of generations.


Who We Are

In continuous operation since 1986, Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and ending hunger. Learn about our four-decade history.

 We operate a grocery-style food pantry that serves food-insecure households throughout Dane County. We offer a free Community Meal two Saturdays each month and career development opportunities in the Kasieta Center. The commercial-grade Prairie Kitchen offers nutrition education and is home to our Kitchen to Table initiative. We provide access to Joining Forces for Families social workers and free legal advocacy focused on ending homelessness and leveling the playing field for people with limited financial means. 

Our work is guided by a Board of Directors and an all-volunteer leadership team. We have over 1100 volunteers on our roster. Meet our team.


Who We Help

The pandemic was hard on families. Inflation is causing even more hardship. We serve anyone in Dane County needing food assistance. In more than 77% of households we serve, at least one adult is working. Many hold two jobs, but they simply don't earn enough to make ends meet. These are individuals with disabilities, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and folks who have fallen on tough times or are temporarily unemployed. Over 40% of those BPNN helped feed last year were children and senior citizens. Spanish is the native language for more than 60% of our guests.

Outdoor signage for BPNN
Policeman handing groceries to a woman

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

~ Margaret Mead

Group of women in a food pantry

Our Values

Dignity

We accept the humanity in all people and treat them with dignity, and without judgment.​​ We empower our guests, volunteers, and the community at large.

Kindness

Neighbors in our community may be experiencing hardship or living through challenging situations. It is often difficult to accept help. We create a compassionate environment where people can feel comfortable, seen, and heard.  

Respect

We are inclusive. Everyone – patrons and volunteers alike – are treated with respect​​. We do not discriminate against any individual.

Sustainability

We care for the environment because it’s the right thing to do.  We can feed thousands of people by diverting food destined for the landfill. We partner with local businesses and farmers to keep 250 tons of food out of the landfill each year.

Our Impact

In 2022, BPNN volunteers distributed over 1.7 million pounds of food and helped feed 37,000 individuals filling 24% of Dane County’s meal gap.

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Join us in our fight against hunger

Seniors eating at a community meal

We are making a difference  

37000 + people served icon

81,000

People Served in 2023

Food Distribution icon

2 Million

Pounds of Food Distributed

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250 TONS

of Food Diverted
from Landfill

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100%

Volunteer

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24%

of Dane County
Meal Gap Filled

From top to bottom, we are 100% volunteer.

Meet our leadership team. ⟶

Our History

Learn More. ⟶