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About Us
The Hunger Prevention Council of Dane County (HPC) first met as an informal group in 1994 when the need was felt by individuals and agencies fighting hunger to communicate more effectively, to coordinate their efforts more often, and to share relevant information on a regular basis.
To meet these needs HPC began to provide informational meetings and networking opportunities. HPC also began its research efforts by obtaining state funds to conduct a "Community Needs Assessment of Food Security in Dane County". The final report of that study was released in August 1996 (copies available on request).
Early in its history, HPC felt that there was a need to find out more about the people served at Dane County's food pantries. Much anecdotal information was known, but documentation had not been gathered about the conditions and circumstances in which food pantry clients lived. This concern led, in October 1997, to a survey (confidential and voluntary) of all food pantry clients served by the Dane County Food Pantry Network (DCFPN). Every October since then (except for 2002), a similar survey has been conducted. The results of these surveys (available on request) show trends over time, and document information about the struggles of low-income families to meet their basic needs (click "Library of Reports" button for latest survey report).
Because of the ongoing needs, HPC's work continues. It has become incorporated and has qualified for non-profit (501c3) status. The current Board of Directors includes President Kathy Sandefur (Director Outreach Ministries, First United Methodist Church), Nan Cnare (V.P. Community Building, United Way of Dane County), Dan Geisler (Chair, Bread for the World-Madison), Greta Hansen (Executive Director, the Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin), Frank Kelly (Director Food Service, Madison Metropolitan School District), Pat Ludeman (Family Living Educator, UW-Extension Dane County), and Bob Mohelnitzky (Executive Director, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin).
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