From supermarkets to local farmers markets, Wisconsin boasts an abundance of places to buy locally produced dairy foods and other products. More and more regional restaurants are featuring local specialties. And schools are getting in on the action as well. The Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch farm-to-school program is working to connect children with local food producers. When the University of Wisconsin uses local ingredients for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it generates an estimated $2,000 to $6,000 in local sales.*

Recently, the state has shown its support with the “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin” grant program. In 2008, $225,000 in grants were awarded to organizations that provide fresh food, support farmers and grow the state’s economy. The Eat Local Wisconsin Challenge, now in its third year, encourages residents to spend 10 percent of their grocery budget on local food over a 10-day period to raise consumer awareness about the advantages of eating locally.

*University of Wisconsin-Madison, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, Research Brief #55, Dishing Up Local Food on Wisconsin Campuses.