WE ARE HERE
TO HELP
Vision
We envision a strong, healthy community where access to nutritional food is readily available and where hunger, at its worst, is a temporary state and not a way of life.
Mission
It’s our mission is to fight poverty and end hunger locally. To change the world and the economic trajectory of generations.
Who We Are
In continuous operation since 1986, Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and ending hunger. Learn about our four-decade history.
We operate a grocery-style food pantry that serves food-insecure households throughout Dane County. We offer a free Community Meal two Saturdays each month and career development opportunities in the Kasieta Center. The commercial-grade Prairie Kitchen offers nutrition education and is home to our Kitchen to Table initiative. We provide access to Joining Forces for Families social workers and free legal advocacy focused on ending homelessness and leveling the playing field for people with limited financial means.
Our work is guided by a Board of Directors and an all-volunteer leadership team. We have over 1100 volunteers on our roster. Meet our team.
Who We Help
The pandemic was hard on families. Inflation is causing even more hardship. We serve anyone in Dane County needing food assistance. In more than 77% of households we serve, at least one adult is working. Many hold two jobs, but they simply don't earn enough to make ends meet. These are individuals with disabilities, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and folks who have fallen on tough times or are temporarily unemployed. Over 40% of those BPNN helped feed last year were children and senior citizens. Spanish is the native language for more than 60% of our guests.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
Our Values
Dignity
We accept the humanity in all people and treat them with dignity, and without judgment. We empower our guests, volunteers, and the community at large.
Kindness
Neighbors in our community may be experiencing hardship or living through challenging situations. It is often difficult to accept help. We create a compassionate environment where people can feel comfortable, seen, and heard.
Respect
We are inclusive. Everyone – patrons and volunteers alike – are treated with respect. We do not discriminate against any individual.
Sustainability
We care for the environment because it’s the right thing to do. We can feed thousands of people by diverting food destined for the landfill. We partner with local businesses and farmers to keep 250 tons of food out of the landfill each year.
We are making a difference
87,000
People Served in 2024
1.9 Million
Meals
250 TONS
of Food Diverted
from Landfill
100%
Volunteer
24%
of Dane County
Meal Gap Filled
Badger Prairie Needs Network's annual report for 2023-2024 is now available. It’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in the last two years, the support we've received from all of you, and exciting developments to look forward to in 2025. https://tinyurl.com/mr7e6v5c
Read the Annual Report⟶