OUR HISTORY

We are proud of our long history as a 100% volunteer organization. From the beginning, Badger Prairie Needs Network and its guests have benefitted from local and county-wide stewardship by means of financial and volunteer support.

“Badger Prairie Needs Network has made great strides in serving our community and assisting our more vulnerable residents since first moving into our county facility in 2014. With each period of growth has come new opportunities to expand its mission of fighting poverty, ending hunger, and acting locally. Badger Prairie Needs Network is an incredible partner and showcases the true meaning of lifting our community up.”
~ Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive

1986

Before the 1970’s, food pantries essentially did not exist. The first beginnings of a local food pantry operated as a small closet at Salem United Church of Christ in Verona distributing government cheese and bread.

1994

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.

2002

Faith community leaders from Salem UCC, St. James Lutheran, and Saint Andrew’s Catholic parishes meet to establish shared support for the pantry. Service area is expanded to include all households in the Verona Area School District.

2011

Organization is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and renamed Verona Area Needs Network (VANN). First board of directors is established. Verona City Council passes resolution to provide free space to food pantry in perpetuity.

2015

The Move the Food capital campaign is launched to raise funds to move to a new facility at 1200 E. Verona Avenue. Dane County Executive and County Board agree to lease the County-owned 7,500 SF facility for $20/year for 25 years. The name changes to Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) to be more inclusive for households in Fitchburg and south Madison.

2018

A Packer Tailgate raised funds to build the Prairie Kitchen commercial kitchen and Pantry Warehouse. Service area expands into Madison Metropolitan School District.

Kitchen To Table: Wisconsin Food Recovery Network is launched to redistribute food recovered from local cafeterias.

2020

Worldwide pandemic reaches our area in March and demand for food assistance spikes by 72% overnight.

The Big Chill capital campaign raises funds to add 1,000 SF of cooler space, loading dock, laundry room, and canopy for drive-up distribution shelter.

BPNN expands service to all of Dane County.

2022

The Kasieta Center is constructed with support from Dane County COVID recovery funds and private donations. BPNN establishes partnerships with regional work force development organizations to offer job training in fields offering family-sustaining living-wage jobs with career advancement opportunity. Focus is on changing the economic trajectory of participants and providing area employers with a well-trained reliable workforce.