Catholic Charities has accepted the transfer of the diocesan Rural Life Office into our own structure which provides direct services to those in need. We have an increased emphasis on meeting the needs of farming families and rural communities. To better understand concerns and needs throughout the eleven counties of the Diocese of Madison, a listening campaign called “All Shall Eat” was held at Catholic Parishes representing each county of the diocese. The Wisconsin Council of Churches offered to help promote the listening sessions to their area congregations and pastors.

With an ever increasing worldwide need for food, it is alarming to watch the continuous eroding of our farming base across the bread and corn baskets of our nation. Farmers lose their family farms to financial failure while being more productive than ever before. Obviously, something is completely wrong across the heartland of our nation. The first step seems to be taking the time and energy to be available to listen and gather the stories, concerns and trials of those who perform the most basic and absolutely necessary vocation to our world as providers of our “daily bread”. Put quite simply, without farmers, we don’t eat.

The information from the listening sessions will be studied and analyzed by Catholic Charities staff as we work to expand services directed to the concerns and needs of each area. The information gathered will also help to educate our non-rural communities to the dangers of losing our farmers and what they as consumers can actively do to promote and support local farm production by their commitment to purchase local food.

Click here to view our Rural Life Office - Helpful Links and Information page. This page provides good information and resources for those who live in rural areas. Be sure to check back often for updates.