Emergency Food Systems (EFS) Leadership
River Valley Charities is proud to step into a new role as the convener of the Emergency Food Systems (EFS) group serving St. Croix and Polk counties.
This work is strengthened through our partnership with the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN), a Minnesota-based organization that is generously extending its expertise to support our little slice of Wisconsin. Their experience working with food shelves and community food systems helps enrich the content and conversations within our EFS meetings.
The EFS group brings together food shelves, backpack programs, community meal providers, and other partners working on the frontlines of food insecurity. By meeting regularly, sharing resources, and building relationships, the group strengthens our region’s ability to respond to both everyday needs and larger-scale challenges.
Why this matters
Our role as convener
As facilitator, River Valley Charities will:
Get involved
If your organization is working to fight food insecurity in St. Croix or Polk County, we invite you to participate in the EFS group. Together we can build a coordinated, supportive network that ensures food reaches the people who need it most.
For questions or to learn more, contact: [email protected]
This group was first organized by FoodWIse, under Katie Bartko's leadership, to give local food pantries and partners a place to share information, ask questions, and build connections. Over the years, participation grew and the value of coming together became clear. With the FoodWIse position no longer in place, RVC is committed to carrying this work forward so collaboration continues to strengthen our regional food network.
River Valley Charities is proud to step into a new role as the convener of the Emergency Food Systems (EFS) group serving St. Croix and Polk counties.
This work is strengthened through our partnership with the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN), a Minnesota-based organization that is generously extending its expertise to support our little slice of Wisconsin. Their experience working with food shelves and community food systems helps enrich the content and conversations within our EFS meetings.
The EFS group brings together food shelves, backpack programs, community meal providers, and other partners working on the frontlines of food insecurity. By meeting regularly, sharing resources, and building relationships, the group strengthens our region’s ability to respond to both everyday needs and larger-scale challenges.
Why this matters
- Families in our communities continue to face uncertainty when it comes to accessing consistent, healthy food.
- No single organization can solve this alone. Collaboration helps us reduce duplication, share best practices, and respond more effectively when needs change.
- Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient food support system for the St. Croix Valley.
Our role as convener
As facilitator, River Valley Charities will:
- Host regular meetings to connect partners across St. Croix and Polk counties.
- Provide space for programs to share updates, challenges, and successes.
- Elevate collective needs and opportunities to funders and community leaders.
- Support stronger communication and collaboration among local food insecurity partners.
- Collaborate with FFEN to develop meeting content, share insights, and bring forward tools and learning that strengthen the entire network.
Get involved
If your organization is working to fight food insecurity in St. Croix or Polk County, we invite you to participate in the EFS group. Together we can build a coordinated, supportive network that ensures food reaches the people who need it most.
For questions or to learn more, contact: [email protected]
This group was first organized by FoodWIse, under Katie Bartko's leadership, to give local food pantries and partners a place to share information, ask questions, and build connections. Over the years, participation grew and the value of coming together became clear. With the FoodWIse position no longer in place, RVC is committed to carrying this work forward so collaboration continues to strengthen our regional food network.
SNAP Updates & Resources
Feeding Wisconsin SNAP Toolkit
WI DHS SNAP Updates Site
Have more information or tools to share with the network? Please email us!
Feeding Wisconsin SNAP Toolkit
WI DHS SNAP Updates Site
Have more information or tools to share with the network? Please email us!
