Food, Employment, and Physical Health Among Top Factors Impacting Low-Income Households in Western Wisconsin West CAP has recently released the results of their latest Community Needs Assessment, giving comprehensive data about the current needs and concerns of low-income individuals and families across seven counties in west central Wisconsin. Among the results, Food & Nutrition was identified as the factor that had the most impact on low-income households over the past year, with Employment/Income ranking second, and Physical Health third.

West CAP conducts a Community Needs Assessment every three years to gather feedback from low-income individuals residing in their service area, which includes Barron, Chippewa Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties. The survey is a requirement of the Federal Community Service Block Grant of which they are a recipient, and it asks about a variety of topics including housing, transportation, health, employment, education, and food/nutrition services. The results help the agency and community partners gain a deeper understanding of the area’s current needs in order to adjust and improve programming to meet those needs. Focus groups were also held to gain a deeper understanding of survey results.

The report was completed by a total of 156 community members who reported an income level at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and 27 community partner participants. Catalyst at the University of Wisconsin – Stout was chosen to administer and analyze the results of the household survey. Some of the assessment findings include:

• 47% of respondents were unable to afford fruits and vegetables each week this past year.

• 34% of respondents have been or have a household member who has been homeless.

• 47% of respondents indicated that they were moderately or extremely concerned about paying for utility bills, which ranked highest in housing-related needs.

• 58% of respondents indicated moderate or extreme concern about their own mental health, with 38% indicating an extreme concern.

• 40% of respondents indicated Yes to either themselves or family members being a victim of domestic violence.

• 45% of respondents indicated concern about being able to afford car service / repairs.

Results also include responses to legal-related needs, financial literacy, childcare needs, as well as results of the Focus Group discussions. All of the responses were aggregated, and results are presented within a full report available on the West CAP website at www.westcap.org.