Nobody -- no single individual, no single agency -- can possibly have all the information about a need area, or provide everything that every individual needs. However, what we can do is to share links and connections to other agencies and services we know about, and to other resources that may be useful to you. These links are (we hope) organized logically by category -- but we don't assume that it's a definitive or final list. If we've left off one of your favorite resources or links, or you can point us toward other information that we should be including, please contact the
Food Security and Hunger
Food security and hunger prevention continues to be a huge problem in this country. Here are some of the major resources we're aware of.
- FoodShare Outreach:
Foodshare is the single biggest program for getting food to those who need it. It's not welfare; in fact, it's a boon to the American economy. The Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is partnering with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services with the goal of successfully assisting a significant number of potentially eligible families and individuals gain FoodShare benefits. Check it out! - Resources from the West Michigan Feeding America Foodbank
This set of resources was begun by John Arnold, who worked in the area of food security for the better part of three decades. We here at the Personal Essentials Pantry at Zion Church owe John and the West Michigan team a huge debt of gratitude for the help we've gained from these materials. Check 'em out! - Dane County Food Pantry Network
The Dane County Food Pantry Network (DCFPN) is a group of 48 food pantries throughout Dane County that receives food and technical support from CAC's Food Resources Division. The DCFPN was established by CAC and meets regularly to discuss hunger issues, food availability and collaboration projects. - Dane County Community Gardens
Community gardens can greatly assist with food costs for families. In 2007, one family was able to grow over 150 pounds of produce equivalent to $389 in savings on one 400 square foot garden plot. The gardens are often a place of expression for the people given the least voice in our society. In the gardens, gardeners become more self- sufficient and empowered by growing their own food. Diverse people come together to raise food and they find that natural outgrowths of the gardens are personal relationships, cross-cultural exchange, community development, beautification, environmental justice, crime prevention, leadership, and self-reliance for their neighborhood as a whole. - Huggies® Every Little Bottom Study
In 2008, Huggies | Kimberly-Kimberly Clark commissioned a study on the needs and costs of diapers in the U.S. and Canada. The resulting study highlights the impact not only in terms of costs but in terms of emotional stress, maternal well-being, and employment limitations.
Resources on Faith and Practice
Many of us engaged in trying to at least ease, if not end, hunger and need are people of faith -- Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Whatever our faith, it seems important to us here at the Personal Essentials Pantry that if we truly believe that we do what we do because of our faith, it's important that we remind ourselves occasionally just what our faith does say we should be doing.
- Words of Faith
Back in the early to mid eighties, John Arnold compiled passages from the sacred books of many of the world's religions that dealt specifically with how people of faith should treat those in need, those in poverty. Those collections are still maintained on the website of the West Michigan Feeding America Foodbank.
Resources on Faith and Politics
- Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice unites progressive people of faith toward creating a state whose people and government address the real needs and raise the dignity of the hungry and poor; care for and heal the sick; and truly listen to the voices of all citizens. Drawing from the wisdom of our faith traditions, we accomplish this through educating our members and the broader community, and advocating with our legislators to advance the common good.
Resources on Drug and Alcohol Addiction
- SoCal Sunrise Understands that when it comes to drug prevention, knowledge is power. SoCal Sunrise is dedicated to raising awareness and prevention of addiction, and created a resource page to educate communities on why people use and how to teach teens about the long-term consequences, dangers, and risk factors.
- ADDICTION RECOVERY DURING HIGHER EDUCATION According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 60% of college students use drugs and alcohol. Substance use among college students can diminish academic performance, reduce the likelihood of employment after graduation, and pose serious health risks. This guide helps students learn about which substances pose the greatest risks to them, the consequences of continuous usage, and steps to overcome addiction.
- Employment Resources for People in Recovery Provides valuable insights and resources for individuals reentering the workforce after drug or alcohol treatment.
- Addiction Treatment Centers A list of all addiction treatment centers located in the United States displayed in a map format. There are over 15,000 listings in the map along with each location’s contact details, website, and a link to Google Maps driving directions.