Greetings Northsiders.
The Northside Planning Council, aka NPC, the nonprofit publisher of this Northside News and organizer of the tremendous food system work happening every day out of FEED Kitchens is alive and well in 2026. The ongoing need for community investment for our multi-faceted work was met with a strong support to end 2025. Thank you. We outperformed our budget and will continue to pursue implementation of our strategic plan and priorities here in the year ahead.
We will do this through ongoing job training through FEED Bakery & Training. We will do this through job creation and business incubation at FEED Kitchens where diverse new and existing entrepreneurs share commercial kitchens and run their businesses. We will do this by feeding hunger in the community and reducing landfill waste through Healthy Food for All. And we will do this work by hosting key events and celebrations throughout the year ahead that bring people together for good. Stay tuned.
All our efforts are to fulfill our mission to improve the quality of life and foster equity (here) on the Northside of Madison (and beyond) through community organizing and economic development. In 2026 we will continue to be a facilitator, connector, and resource for Northside businesses, people and neighborhoods, including via this Northside News.
In this current newspaper you hold, I am so glad to highlight the names of the 150 individuals and businesses that supported the successful Northside News 30 for 30 anniversary campaign. Thank you for investing with us in the continuation of this valuable community resource. I am excited to introduce the new Northside News website launched as well.
I am sad to share the loss of another long-time Northside community anchor, John Kavanaugh III of Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club. The tribute to John’s life in his obituary and by the Northside Business Association Board of Directors remind us of the value and power of being kind and generous and practicing hospitality.
I am happy to highlight The River Food Pantry’s tremendous work in completing their capital campaign to build a purpose-built new pantry to house all the programs and services they offer that nourish our community and neighbors. The 5-page feature in section B of this issue speaks to the original faith and vision of the River’s founding and the new building demonstrates the faith and vision that continue to sustain the River’s important work.
Thanks for believing with us and working with us towards shared goals and common goods. That we can and should still love our neighbors as we love ourselves. That it’s possible. That it’s worth it. That life is better lived this way. Let’s press on. See you around the Northside.
