Marshfield Clinic Health System recently launched a health disparities funding program. This funding provided support to Hodag Kids; an organization focused on addressing childhood food insecurity. The most recent Marshfield Medical Center--Minocqua Community Health Needs Assessment identified chronic disease and healthy nutrition as a top health concern for Oneida County. The main goal of Hodag Kids is to fill the nutritional gap that can be experienced by children during the school day, on the weekends, and over the summer. Hodag Kids increases access to free and reduced meal programs, while providing more fresh produce and nutritious food.
 
With this funding, the program was able to increase enrollment in the weekend food for kids’ program from 100 to 300 students and include home school students and attendees of the YMCA Youth Development Center. This resulted in a total of 8,132 bags distributed – 4,900 more bags than the previous school year. The ‘Hodag Snack Attack’ was also able to expand and provide breakfast and lunch foods, snacks, and take-home food bags to 20 students working towards high school graduation. The ‘Hodag Food Wagon’ was launched, where students receive a whole grain snack, shelf stable milk and yogurt, and fresh produce along with a recipe and a sample of the “veggie of the week”.
 
This program recognizes kids filled with nutritious foods have stronger bodies, can concentrate and learn better in school, are happier and feel less isolation and loneliness.  Not only does this program help to fill the nutritional gap experienced by Oneida County kids, but also increases public awareness of the importance of the health, well-being, and development of the children in the community. They have been featured on three local television news stations, and two local newspapers, gaining more volunteers and participants.