Free Guide to Wisconsin FoodShare Contact Information

Understanding Wisconsin FoodShare Program Basics

Wisconsin FoodShare, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Wisconsin, is a state and federally funded program designed to help low-income households purchase food. The program provides monthly benefits loaded onto a Wisconsin Quest card, which works like a debit card at authorized retailers. As of 2024, Wisconsin serves approximately 600,000 residents through FoodShare each month.

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The program operates under the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). FoodShare benefits can be used to purchase food items including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. The program does not cover prepared foods, hot meals, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or household supplies like paper towels or cleaning products.

Each household's monthly benefit amount depends on household size, income level, and other factors. For example, a single person with no income might receive around $250 monthly, while a family of four could receive up to $1,039 monthly depending on their circumstances. Benefits are recalculated periodically based on changes in household income or composition.

Wisconsin has established several regional offices and processing centers to handle FoodShare matters. The state also partners with community organizations to provide information about the program. Understanding how FoodShare works helps households make informed decisions about their food budget and nutrition planning.

Practical Takeaway: Learn the basic structure of FoodShare before contacting about your specific situation. Knowing that benefits vary by household size and income helps you understand what information you may need to provide.

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Contact Information

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) serves as the primary state agency responsible for FoodShare administration. The DCF FoodShare Program office is located in Madison and handles policy questions, appeals, and administrative matters related to the program. The main phone line is 608-266-3680, which connects callers to the appropriate FoodShare division.

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For questions about program policies, benefit amounts, or how FoodShare works in Wisconsin, you can reach the FoodShare Program section through the DCF main number. Staff can provide information about program rules, what foods are covered, and how benefits are calculated. Response times vary depending on call volume, typically ranging from a few minutes to 30 minutes during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central Time).

The DCF website at dcf.wisconsin.gov contains downloadable fact sheets about FoodShare and links to county-by-county resources. The website also includes information about work requirements, time limits on benefits, and how to report changes in household circumstances. Many of these documents are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Hmong, and Karen.

For individuals seeking information about how to proceed with questions or concerns, the DCF website lists each county's FoodShare office with direct phone numbers and addresses. These county offices handle local cases and can discuss individual situations in more detail than the state office. County staff can explain what documentation might be needed for various circumstances.

Practical Takeaway: Save the DCF main number (608-266-3680) and your local county FoodShare office number. Knowing which office handles which types of questions helps you reach the right person faster.

County-Level FoodShare Offices and Local Resources

Wisconsin administers FoodShare through 72 county and tribal agencies, making local offices the primary point of contact for most residents. Each county has a FoodShare office that handles case management, benefit calculations, and local policy questions. For example, Milwaukee County's FoodShare office processes cases for approximately 180,000 recipients, while rural counties like Ashland County serve around 2,000 recipients. The size and resources of each office vary, but all provide the same core services.

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To find your county's FoodShare office, start by identifying your Wisconsin county, then search the county human services or social services department website. Most counties maintain FoodShare office information including phone numbers, addresses, office hours, and staff names. Many county websites now offer online options for submitting questions or requesting information about programs. Some larger counties like Dane County (Madison area) and Milwaukee County operate multiple office locations for convenience.

County offices typically have extended hours including evening or Saturday appointments in some locations. Hours vary significantly by county—some offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, while others offer limited hours in smaller communities. It's worth calling ahead to confirm office hours and any requirements for in-person visits, such as needing an appointment.

Beyond county offices, many Wisconsin communities have nonprofit organizations that provide information about FoodShare and other food resources. Organizations like Catholic Charities, Feeding America food banks, and local community action agencies often have staff trained in FoodShare information and can direct people to resources. The United Way's 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) connects residents with local FoodShare information and other community services in their area.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your county office as your primary resource for questions about your specific situation. Local staff understand county procedures and can provide information tailored to your circumstances.

Nutrition Education and Program Support Resources

Wisconsin offers nutrition education programs connected to FoodShare that provide information about meal planning, food preparation, and healthy eating on a budget. The FoodShare Nutrition Education Program (FSNE) partners with University of Wisconsin-Extension to offer classes and resources. These programs are designed to help households stretch their food budget while improving nutrition. Over 50,000 Wisconsin residents participate in FSNE activities annually through workshops, cooking demonstrations, and online resources.

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UW-Extension operates in every Wisconsin county and provides free nutrition education materials related to FoodShare. Extension staff offer cooking classes that teach meal preparation using foods commonly purchased with FoodShare benefits. Classes cover topics like preparing dried beans, cooking with seasonal vegetables, and creating meals for families with different dietary needs. Many classes are offered at no cost and sometimes include food samples. Contact your county's UW-Extension office to learn about classes in your area.

Wisconsin also has several food bank networks that work with FoodShare recipients. Feeding America Wisconsin operates a network of food banks throughout the state that provide emergency food assistance. These organizations can provide information about FoodShare while also offering immediate food support. The Wisconsin Foodbank Association (wifoodbank.org) lists member food banks by region and provides contact information.

For individuals with specific dietary needs, including those managing diabetes, heart disease, or other health conditions, county FoodShare offices can connect you with nutrition specialists. Some county health departments offer free nutrition counseling to FoodShare recipients. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains resources about nutrition and health on its website that complement FoodShape information with broader health guidance.

Practical Takeaway: Explore nutrition education resources offered through your county extension office or local food bank. These programs provide concrete skills for managing food budgets and can be used alongside FoodShare benefits.

Reaching FoodShare Support Through Phone, Mail, and Online Channels

Wisconsin FoodShare information is available through multiple contact methods, allowing people to choose the approach that works best for them. Phone contact remains the most common method for questions about programs. The statewide FoodShare hotline serves as a general information line, though specific case questions should be directed to your county office. Most county offices can be reached during regular business hours, and staff are trained to answer questions about how the program works, what documents might be needed, and how to reach additional resources.

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Mailing addresses for Wisconsin FoodShare offices are available through the DCF website and each county's human services department. Written inquiries to your county FoodShare office typically receive responses within 5-10 business days, making mail appropriate for non-urgent questions or when you prefer a written record. Include your name, county of residence, and a clear description of your question to help staff respond accurately.

Many Wisconsin counties now offer online portals where residents can view program information, submit general inquiries, and in some cases track case status. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website provides links to these county portals. Some counties use email for certain types of questions, though staff recommend checking with your local office about which matters can be handled electronically versus requiring phone or in-person contact.

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