The Hornet Market has become a lifeline for families in the Wautoma community, providing thousands of meals to those facing food insecurity. With 58 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, Wautoma Area School District Director of Food Services Tami Stansbury recognized a growing need and helped establish the Hornet Market in 2021.
On January 8, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visited the Hornet Market to learn more about the program and its impact from Stansbury. The visit highlighted the growing recognition of the Hornet Market as a successful, community-driven model addressing food insecurity while supporting students and families with dignity. Since its inception, the Hornet Market has ensured families have consistent access to nutritious food without added financial strain. By 2025, it serves 80 to 120 families each week and has provided a total of 74,833 meals.
While Waushara County does offer a food bank, it is available only once per month and requires families to meet income eligibility guidelines, leaving many households facing ongoing food insecurity. Determined to make a difference, Stansbury developed a comprehensive two-page proposal and met with representatives from Feeding America, the Wautoma Area School District administration, and other county resources.
She explained how the Hornet Market could provide weekly support to students, families, and staff across the district. With guidance from former Waushara County Food Pantry Director Marty Lee and backing from the former WASD Administrator, Stansbury’s vision became a meaningful and sustainable reality.
Each week, ded
icated members of the Wautoma Kiwanis Club volunteer to unload thousands of pounds of food from Feeding America and stock the shelves of the Hornet Market at Parkside School. One of the market’s most distinctive features is the absence of income guidelines, creating a space where all individuals can shop with dignity. The Hornet Market’s primary goal is to help families reduce grocery costs while providing access to essential household items.
In addition to supporting families, the Hornet Market plays an important role within Wautoma Area School District schools. It provides personal hygiene items for classrooms, snacks for students during the school day and state assessments, supplies for classroom celebrations, and essential items for the school nurse to support students with health-related needs.
The Hornet Market has also expanded its impact through after-school programming, including the Hornet Market Cooking Class at Parkside School, a Title I school. Through this program, students use ingredients from the market to prepare healthy, full-course meals. Any extra food is shared with the Wautoma High School Family and Consumer Science program, where students have learned to prepare soups and potato dumplings, as well as proper food processing and freezing techniques. These efforts help to minimize waste while students develop practical life skills while reinforcing the importance of nutrition, healthy eating, and sustainability.
During the most recent holiday season, the Hornet Market expanded its reach through a collaboration with the Wautoma Kiwanis Club and Wautoma Area High School student organizations, including FCCLA, Student Council, and the National Spanish Honor Society. Together, they provided 40 families with full holiday meals, including a turkey or ham, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, dessert, additional food items, and essential household supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues.
The Hornet Market operates at no cost to the Wautoma Area School District, requiring only a designated space to serve students, families, and staff. Its success is made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the support of community and district partners, including the Wautoma Kiwanis Club, district administration, school principals, business manager, and the Board of Education. The district is proud to prioritize the well-being of its students and families, making a meaningful impact on both education and health each day.