Shout out to a nonprofit we have spotlighted in the past and would like to highlight again: FairShare CSA Coalition. FairShare is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Madison with a mission “to build resilient food communities by investing in farmers and empowering eaters.” Now more than ever, they can use our help supporting our local farmers.

It’s a great time to sign up for a CSA vegetable share. A purchase like this funds local agriculture -- and nourishes you! Not sure how to cook with a variety of fresh vegetables? Try using your favorite AI chat service to create recipes curated to your taste buds and existing pantry inventory.

If you’ve enjoyed an afternoon on Willy Street, you’ve likely passed by Luke House. Their mission is simple: to feed the hungry no questions asked. If you haven’t heard of Luke House, it is because they go about their mission work quietly, serving free meals nine times a week, year-round, rain or shine. At each meal Luke House serves between 60 and 120 guests. All guests and volunteers are treated with dignity and respect, a major value of the Luke House. This organization has been feeding Madison’s hungry since 1986. Guests show up and are fed, no questions asked. The facility is set up like a restaurant with volunteers serving a healthy meal and beverages to guests.

The atmosphere is very pleasant, and the guests have a chance to socialize.

Last month we donated $500 to Rooted, a local nonprofit that is helping to create healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods. This year we've also made contributions of $500 or more to Defending Black Girlhood, Own It, SAIL, the Foundation for Dane County Parks, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Red Sneakers for Oakley. 

This month, we're excited to be sharing the good work of the Badger Prairie Needs Network. Stay tuned for more information about this Verona-based nonprofit, coming real soon. 

We're grateful for all of you who continue to trust us with all of your buying and selling needs. Because of you, we’re able to shine a light on and support local nonprofits. Thank you. 

While many of us enjoy backyard gardening, not everyone has access to land to grow their own gardens and there are barriers to successful community-based gardening efforts. Rooted, a local nonprofit based in Madison, is helping to create “healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods'' that embrace the positive impact of sharing fresh, quality food through community gardening. Rooted’s Community Gardens Network is just one of the organization’s programming efforts focused on food, land, and learning.

The Community Gardens Network is a partnership between Rooted, UW Madison Extension Dane County, and the City of Madison that connects people with the land, education, and resources to create and sustain community gardens. There are 72 gardens in the

Sunshine Place is proving we can accomplish more when we meet our neighbors’ needs with dignity and collaboration. This Sun Prairie-based organization is where families and individuals can come for help with food, housing, and other essential support. Sunshine Place is a “resource hub” for basic needs, offering its nine innovative programs plus subsidized space for other agencies. They currently host staff from Centro Hispano, Joining Forces for Families, RISE – Early Childhood Initiative (ECI), Dane County Madison Public Health, and Tenant Resource Center saving their visitors time, transportation, and childcare resources to access multiple services in one-stop. 

The largest of Sunshine Place’s programs is their Sun Prairie Food Pantry, open 6 days a