FoodShare: News for Members

Deadline extended: FoodShare members in four counties have more time to ask for benefits to replace food lost in recent storms

FoodShare members living in Menominee, Portage, Shawano, and Waupaca counties have until April 22 to request replacement benefits because they lost food due to recent ice storms, severe weather, and power outages on April 2. Members in other counties have 10 days from the day they lost food to request replacement benefits.

You can make your request in whatever way is easiest for you:

Food benefit replacements will be only approved for the amount that was lost because of the storm. This amount cannot be more than your monthly household FoodShare benefits (learn more about income limits).


Other news

Changes to the FoodShare work requirement in WI

Last year federal rules expanded the work requirement for some FoodShare members.

The age range of affected members grew to 18-64, and it added parents whose children at home who are age 14 and older. Your local agency will check if you need to meet the work requirement at your next interview. | April 7, 2026

Change to QUEST card out-of-state spending

Starting March 1, 2026, the security settings on all QUEST cards will default to only allow spending in Wisconsin and the bordering states of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Members can still use their FoodShare in other states, they’ll just need to change the security settings on their card. | February 18, 2026

Complete your renewal to keep getting FoodShare

When you first applied for FoodShare, you told us about your household, such as your income and assets. We check that information to see if you can keep getting benefits.

This happens yearly for most people. You'll get a renewal letter in the mail about two weeks before your renewal month. It tells you what you need to do and the deadline. | February 2, 2026

Restart FoodShare by meeting a work requirement

Lost FoodShare due to not meeting the work requirement?

You can get benefits again by meeting the work requirement for 30 days, showing you will meet the work requirement in 30 days, having an exemption, or having good cause. You may need to reapply to get benefits again. | February 2, 2026

Additional support programs available

If you get FoodShare, you might also qualify for other types of help.

Check out some of the available programs for health care, housing and utilities, and prescription drugs. You can also explore additional food programs like school meals and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. | January 2, 2026

Cost of living adjustments applied to benefits

Starting with your October benefits, cost of living adjustments were made for all FoodShare members. Changes for monthly income limits, allotments, deductions, and allowances are reflected in your benefits.

These changes happen annually, and are based on the federal fiscal year. | January 2, 2026

Glossary

 
Last revised April 8, 2026