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17�Թ� announced the first of its kind, Northwoods Food Insecurity Conference. The program is a collaborative effort between Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) and the Oneida and Vilas County Departments of Social Services. The gathering will be held May 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Nicolet Theater at 17�Թ� in Rhinelander.

“17�Թ�’s decision to support this event was based on its intersectionality with our organizational mission to ‘transform lives and enrich communities’,” explained 17�Թ� President Kate Ferrel.

17�Թ� has seen an increase in Emergency Grants for assistance in buying food in addition to the successful launch of the Food Pantry, a new student resource. 

Ferrel concluded, “The community is welcome to join in on the discussion related to food insecurity in our area.”

Speakers will cover the challenge of rural food insecurity across the Northwoods in a fast-hitting format as they present the issue from five different perspectives.

“We hope this conference will help to raise the food insecurity IQ of our Northwoods communities,” offered FORK President Perry Pokrandt. “This is a great opportunity to help build a common perspective around the numerous challenges faced by children from food insecure homes.”

The Northwoods Food Insecurity Conference registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and muffins available.

“We hope that the information provided to attendees will elevate the food insecurity dialogue in all our Northwoods communities going forward,” concluded Pokrandt. “We welcome 17�Թ�s effort transform lives and enrich communities through their sponsorship of this event.”

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Learn more at FeedOurRuralKids.org.