USDA Invests in a Cooperative to Increase Fresh Vegetables in Schools and Childcare Centers Throughout Wisconsin

(Stevens Point, Wis., March 30, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson today announced that the agency is investing in a farmer-owned food cooperative project that aims to increase minimally processed vegetables in schools and childcare centers throughout Wisconsin. Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, a farmer-owned cooperative located in Waupaca, will use a $250,000 grant for working capital to provide packets of grab-and-go sizes of fresh broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and radishes.

"Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development remains committed to ensuring that children in Wisconsin have access to safe, healthy food," said Iverson. "From farm fields to schools and childcare centers, this investment will expand the availability of nutritious options for children across the state so they can learn and grow. The Make America Healthy Again movement is helping strengthen families and build healthier communities across Wisconsin."

The selected assortment of vegetables will allow year-round product availability through farmer owners of the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative and can be processed efficiently by farmer owner Olden Produce LLC. 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.

The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative will use the funding for working capital expenses, marketing, processing labor, delivery labor, and sales processing labor. The project will help save seven jobs.

This Rural Development investment is through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. The program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that:

• Generate new products from raw agricultural commodities.
• Create and expand marketing opportunities.
• Increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach.

The Value-Added Producer Grants program supports planning activities, such as feasibility studies, business plans, and marketing strategies, or working capital needs, including processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and personnel. Producers can find program information and application guidance on the Value-Added Producer Grant web page. Rural Development is currently accepting Value-Added Producer Grant applications through April 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. Central Time.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.

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