FoodWIse Nutrition Education

Food WIse, formerly known as the Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program or WNEP, is a UW-Extension Program that helps limited resource families and individuals, eligible for Food Share,

This July, the Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill was passed which included the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding nationwide. That means that the FoodWIse program will be funded until September 2025. In Ashland/Bayfield/Iron County, that means we’re winding down our SNAP-Ed funded FoodWIse programming, which will include layoffs for employees in the coming months, and our nutrition education and community efforts will come to an end unless we are able to secure other funding.
This is not just a loss of funding – it is a loss of services that have been vital to communities across Wisconsin. FoodWIse’s staff of more than 90 educators across the state have directly helped families with limited incomes make a healthier choice for their future. The impact will be felt in schools, food pantries, and community centers where our educators have helped families make healthier choices and stretch limited food dollars.
FoodWIse has always been about more than just nutrition education. It’s about empowering communities to thrive. We know that SNAP-Ed makes Wisconsin healthier. We are proud of the work we have done and the lives we have changed for the better. Thank you for supporting our staff, our programs and our mission.
We will continue to share our FoodWIse newsletter through December and StrongBodies Classes will run through November.

FoodWIse Nutrition Newsletters

Strong Bodies

FREE Virtual StrongBodies Class
Sept. 23-Nov. 20, 2025
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-10:20 am
Register online:
Questions? Contact
Stephanie Bakker ~ 715-682-7017 (Ashland, Bayfield, Iron)
Tarah Nichols ~ 715-395-7443 (Douglas)

FoodWIse Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2021 Bayfield County FW Report(PDF, 2 pgs,755KB)

Fiscal Year 2020 Bayfield County FW Report (PDF, 2 pages)

The Bayfield County Health Department has information on Bayfield County Farmer’s Markets on their website
Farmers Market Brochure 2022(PDF, 2pgs, 10 MB)

Choosemyplate.gov

Choose, purchase & prepare nutritious meals & snacks based on the

Dietary Guidelines for Americans and My Plate

Make half your grains whole grains
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Make lean choices from the protein group
Make low fat dairy choices:
Get three calcium rich foods each day
Choose & prepare foods with less fat, sugar & salt
Choose healthy foods and beverages when eating away from home

Manage food resources, use thrifty shopping practices for nutritious foods, & improve food security:

Determine resources for food
Track food dollars and live within a spending plan
Plan, buy and prepare affordable meals and snacks on a budget
Buy locally grown fruits & vegetables at the Farmers Market or grow your own garden to enhance food security

Balance food intake with physical activity:

* Balance calories from foods and beverages with calories used

Keep food safe by practicing safe food handling, preparation and storage practices:

Keep hands and surfaces clean
Avoid cross contamination
Cook foods to their proper temperatures
Refrigerate perishable foods & leftovers promptly & store food safely

See Fight BAC for more information

Food Share Information

You’ve probably heard of food stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In Wisconsin, we call the program FoodShare. The goal of this program is to stop hunger.

To find out if you are eligible for Food Share, go to Access to Support Services for Health & Nutrition

ACCESS connects you with the help you need when you need it. With ACCESS, you can apply for and manage your state of Wisconsin benefits and programs in one place, at any time.

Staff

If you have any questions regarding FoodWIse in Bayfield or Ashland County, please contact:

Stephanie LaPointe Bakker
FoodWIse Nutrition Coordinator
Ashland/Bayfield/Iron Counties
Home Office:
Extension Ashland County
Courthouse Rm. 107
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-7017 ext 516
Fax: 715-682-7922
stephanie.bakker@wisc.edu