For nearly 40 years, Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) has been tackling hunger and poverty right here in Dane County. Located at 1200 E. Verona Ave., they're one of our region's most collaborative food pantries and food recovery programs, offering wrap-around services that include pro bono legal assistance, onsite social workers through Joining Forces for Families, a commercial kitchen, community meals, and job-training programs. In 2024, BPNN provided food assistance to 87,000 individuals. That's a significant portion of our neighbors.
Their vision is straightforward: every neighbor should have reliable access to nutritious food and the support needed to thrive.
Nearly 40 Years of Growth
What started as a small food pantry in a closet at Salem United Church of Christ has grown into something much bigger. In the early days, BPNN operated out of the basement of the original Verona Library on Franklin Avenue. As the Dane County Food Pantry moved to Verona, the organization kept expanding to meet growing need across the county.
They've added facilities along the way, including the Kasieta Center, and most recently completed a warehouse expansion to better serve their clients. Each step forward came from watching the community's needs grow and responding to them.
Demand at Historic Levels
Right now, demand for food assistance is at historic levels. In 2025, BPNN is on track to support more than 95,000 neighbors, nearly triple pre-pandemic numbers. Over 70% of the households they serve have at least one adult working or many have two jobs. The reality is that even people with income need support to make ends meet.
BPNN's "Most Needed List" is available online at www.bpnn.org and calls out non-perishable staples like canned proteins, beans, fruit, snack bars, sugar, flour, Hamburger Helper, soup, and paper grocery bags. They also welcome produce from home gardens, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers included. Through their Kitchen-to-Table initiative, retail recovery program, and partnerships with local farms, BPNN rescues 250 tons of food each year that would otherwise go to waste.
Beyond the food pantry, they offer services designed to strengthen the whole community. There's a free Community Meal on the first and third Saturdays of each month. They provide access to health services, vaccine clinics, mending services, ESL classes, and legal assistance. Dane County Joining Forces for Families social workers maintain offices at BPNN, connecting individuals and families with resources and support when they need it most.
Powered by Volunteers
Here's what makes BPNN different: it runs on volunteers. About 500 people attend their New Volunteer Orientation each year. Our own Bobbie Jorgensen, Senior Vice President Finance at Park Bank, currently serves as their Board Treasurer, bringing both leadership and community commitment to their mission.
BPNN welcomes volunteer support whether you have skills in fundraising, development, or bilingual interpretation. They also work with groups and individuals who want to host food drives or community fundraisers. Every contribution helps lift neighbors through tough times.
Working Toward Food Security
What BPNN is working toward is a community where hunger is temporary, not a way of life. They're strengthening partnerships with other nonprofits, local businesses, and volunteers to build a food-secure Dane County.
It's the kind of next worth working toward.
Food Pantry Hours:
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Park Bank