Extra fresh foods left over after farmers market asked to be donated

For the 9th consecutive year, the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership has teamed up with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension to implement the FDL Fresh 5 Farmers Market Donation Program at the Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market, to collect excess fresh foods from farmers and other market vendors for the purpose of providing it to Fond du Lac community members in need.

Beginning at this Saturday’s (July 12, 2025) Downtown Farmers Market, vendors will be encouraged to donate excess produce, whole grains, protein, baked goods and canned and jarred goods at the end of each market day through the FDL Fresh 5 program. Foods donated through this program will be collected by and provided to Fondy Food Pantry in Fond du Lac.

Through the FDL Fresh 5 program, up to 3,000 lbs. of fresh goods have been donated annually, preventing unnecessary food waste and providing access to foods for food insecure populations within Fond du Lac.

Collections will take place each Saturday from July 12th through October 18th, with the exception of September 6th which is Fondue Fest.