Foodshare Employment and Training (FSET)

FSET is a VOLUNTARY employment and training program for recipients of FoodShare in Wisconsin. The primary goal of the FSET program is to help people gain employment. This goal is achieved by helping people increase skills and education and overcome barriers to employment.

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What is the Work Requirement?

Some FoodShare members must meet a work requirement to maintain FoodShare eligibility. FoodShare members who are between the age 18 – 49, have no minors in their FoodShare group, and are found able to work are required to work 80 hours a month, or complete 80 hours of activities in a work program or complete a workfare assignment every month to remain eligible for FoodShare.

This work requirement is part of the ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) policy.

What is FSET?

The FSET program, as designed in Wisconsin, consists of several employment and training services intended to facilitate an efficient use of resources to assist FSET volunteers and ABAWDs move promptly into unsubsidized employment. Service provisions must be in compliance with state and federal policy and regulations and in accordance with the federally approved FSET State Plan. Wisconsin offers the following employment and training services program components:

• Job Search: Services are specifically designed to assist volunteers and ABAWDs prepare for employment by addressing barriers to vocational success. This service assists participants develop, practice, and apply job seeking skills with the goal of securing employment. Each volunteer should be equipped with the tools and skills needed for an effective job search, prior to contacting employers.


• Work Experience: Services are available to promote exposure to various types of employment for individuals who lack practical on the job experience or training in a particular area of interest. This service may offer participants the opportunity to be exposed to different kinds of employment to help clarify job interests and career goals. Establishing a work reference is also a practical aspect of work experience.


• Workfare: Services offered involved developed worksites with private and public non-profit organizations where FSET participants can volunteer their time.


• Education: Services in this category range from obtaining a GED, ESL, Adult Basic Education, and vocational literacy to short term technical training. Enrollment in a technical or trades program is allowable if there is a direct link to employment that is in demand.


• Self Employment: Technical assistance is provided to develop realistic business plans and create sound financial and marketing plans. Technical assistance may include help to obtain financial support through grants, financial institutions or other service providers.


• Job Retention: Services may be provided for up to 90 days for employment that is obtained as a result of FSET participation. This service is designed to address barriers that may deter the participant from maintaining successful employment.


• Supportive Services: Individuals actively engaged in a program component will qualify for supportive services including but not limited to transportation, childcare expenses, tuition, textbooks, uniforms, work clothing, tools, equipment, etc.

For questions or more information on this program, please contact:

Rebecca North
1717 Center Ave.
Suite 900
Janesville, Wisconsin 53546
Phone: 608-314-3300 Ext. 327
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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

• mail:
  Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
  1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
  Alexandria, VA 22314; or
• fax:
  (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
• email:
  FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.