The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing funding through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program in the farmer-owned Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC) project that aims to get more fresh vegetables into schools and childcare centers throughout Wisconsin.

Many of the producers that make up the Waupaca-based cooperative got their start working with larger markets after first being involved in Wisconsin’s vibrant farmers markets.

Cattail Organics

“Farmers markets can be steppingstones for agriculture producers aspiring to reach larger markets, such as schools, food pantries, cooperatives, and more,” said Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker.

Located in Athens, Cattail Organics is sometimes set up at the Wausau Farmers Market. They also have an online farmers market and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSAs provide mutual support by connecting people and local farmers directly. CSA members pay for a share of the harvest and receive food deliveries throughout the growing season.  

Kat is pleased to participate in the WFHC project to get more fresh vegetables into schools and childcare centers. She believes children notice the remarkable difference in fresh, farm-grown vegetables.    

"Once kids taste carrots that are freshly grown, it is a totally different experience, they're a lot sweeter and a lot more flavorful," said Kat. "Fresh vegetables, especially those within our community, feeding our state, those make the biggest impact."

On her website, Kat provides ideas for how to really highlight those fresh flavors through recipes like Roasted Parsnips with Spicy Honey Butter, Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, Pickled Ginger, and more.

Red Door Family Farm

WFHC producers say the initiative to get more vegetables into schools and childcare centers educates children outside the classroom, even in the lunchroom while they are visiting around the table with their friends.       

"It’s giving the kids in this county a lifetime of learning how to eat vegetables," said Red Door Family Farm Owner Stacey Botsford.

Based in Athens, the Red Door Family Farm team is sometimes set up at the Wausau Farmers Market. They also have an online farmers market and a CSA. 

Red Door Family Farm also provides recipes online for making their farm-fresh produce shine. Recent recipes include Seasonal Green Risotto, Carrot Soufflé, Peperonata, and more.  

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Cattail Organics and Red Door Farms will host the annual “Farm to Feast” dinner event at Rockridge Orchard in Edgar. The event will benefit the United Way Hunger Coalition program.  

Alum Sweet Corn

Another WFHC producer, Alum Sweet Corn in Randolph, participates in the Dane County Farmers Market, the Westside Community Market and the South Shore Farmers Market.

This season, they started a new farmstand in Sun Prairie, adding to their farmstands that were already active in Brookfield, Deforest, Randolph, and West Bend.

They recently introduced homegrown inferno Romaine lettuce and homegrown popcorn, which can be popped right on the cob.

Each week, they post a recipe demonstration video on Facebook and Instagram. A recent video features Patty Pan Squash Sautéed with Garlic. There are also corn recipes on their website for everything from Sweet Corn Salsa to classic Scalloped Corn and more.

The public is invited to celebrate their 50th anniversary with everyone on the farm in Radolph on Sunday, August 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative

The WFHC will use VAPG funding for working capital expenses, marketing, processing labor, delivery labor, and sales processing labor for the project. The project will help save seven jobs.

The new, dedicated website can help schools learn about the program and become involved.

To get started, schools can request a free sample kit. Samples might include vegetables that are currently in the program in its inaugural year, which include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and radishes.

The vegetables are cut into sizes and shapes for the tiniest hands to hold. Carrots, kohlrabi and radishes will be cut into matchsticks, which is a cut size smaller than the standard carrot stick. Broccoli and cauliflower will be cut into florets.

Vegetables are delivered to the schools washed, cut, and ready for the school lunch line. WFHC says the program is designed to fit the weekly rhythm of schools, not added to it.

The selected assortment of vegetables will allow year-round product availability through WFHC producers and can be processed by farmer-owned Olden Produce, LLC.

WFHC operates refrigerated routes from their Waupaca warehouse, delivering weekly to schools. After placing an order by a set cutoff time, the delivery window is confirmed. Schools should contact WFHC to confirm route coverage.

“From farm fields to schools and childcare centers, this USDA investment will expand the availability of nutritious options for children across the state so they can learn and grow,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson.

In Fiscal Year 2025, USDA invested nearly $2 million in nine projects in Wisconsin through the VAPG program.

Across rural America, including here in Wisconsin, VAPG program is helping farmers market producers, and more agriculture-based businesses enter value-added activities that generate new products. The new products are from raw agricultural commodities, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach.

“Investments through the USDA Value-Added Producer Grants program are helping Wisconsin agriculture producers build capacity and stretch resources,” said Iverson. “These projects drive economic growth while creating more opportunities for Wisconsin producers.”

While the VAPG program is not currently open for applications, now is time to organize materials to be prepared for when the program becomes open for applications. 

For more information on how to apply for funding through the Value-Added Producer Grants program, please visit grants.gov or contact a USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative program specialist in Wisconsin at wi-rd-bcp-so@usda.gov.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/wi, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Wisconsin.

Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker holds a container of squash at the Wausau Farmers Market. Kat said farmers markets can be a steppingstone for agriculture producers aspiring to work with larger markets like cooperatives, food pantries, and more.