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Food Security for America Recognizes UWM College of Nursing

Al Washko (St. Hyacinth Food Pantry); me; Nancy Yarnell (Food Security for America); Steve Pollock (St. Hyacinth Food Pantry); and Young Cho (UWM ZSPH). (Photo credit: Derek Johnson)
Al Washko (St. Hyacinth Food Pantry); Anne Dressel (College of Nursing); Nancy Yarnell (Food Security for America); Steve Pollock (St. Hyacinth Food Pantry); and Young Cho (Zilber School of Public Health). (Photo credit: Derek Johnson)

UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing has been recognized with the “exemplary collaboration” award from Food Security for America for the research partnership working in concert with UWM Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health and St. Hyacinth food pantry in Milwaukee. The collaboration’s goal was to determine if an alternate food pantry model would increase participants’ food security, sense of community, and financial well-being.  The Food Security Group model is set up as a cooperative food pantry model where participants also became volunteers.

Accepting the award on UWM College of Nursing’s behalf was Anne Dressel, assistant professor, who shared, “We started this project in June 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for improved systems to ensure food security for many families. UWM’s collaboration with St. Hyacinth Food Pantry to implement a Food Security Group model has improved food security for families and built a community around volunteers and participants.”

Rev. Nancy Yarnell, Founder and CEO of Food Security for America, explained the following regarding this recognition: “It’s rare to see such strong, meaningful, ongoing collaboration among academics and community partners. We felt it was important to recognize this critical work and collaboration.”

About Food Security for America
Food Security for America (FSA) was founded in 2012 to expand an innovative food pantry model throughout Georgia and nationally. FSA creates communities to equip people in need of healthy food. Members say that it starts with the food, but it’s not about the food, since the ripple effects of a supportive community can be profound. Headquartered in Cobb County, FSA operates food security groups in Georgia and continues to grow across the U.S. by training non-profit and faith-based organizations to operate their own food security groups. To learn more, visit food securityforamerica.org.

About UWM College of Nursing
Since 1965, the College of Nursing has developed a tradition of excellence. Dedicated to providing academic programs of the highest quality that are at the forefront of nursing, the college has been widely recognized for its innovation, leadership in the profession of nursing and extensive collaboration with diverse community agencies. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the college in the top 10 percent of nursing schools with graduate programs.