A Milwaukee Champion: Alicia Williams and a Lifetime of Service
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger.
Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,” honoring the anti-hunger heroes who champion Free & Local and support our mission to end hunger.
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For over three decades, Alicia Williams has been a relentless advocate for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable residents. Her unwavering dedication to anti-hunger advocacy and community empowerment found a perfect home at Hunger Task Force, where her impactful work has left a lasting legacy. This commitment was honored in 2021 with the naming of Hunger Task Force’s north side FoodShare resource center – Alicia’s Place.
Alicia’s journey began with a foundation built by her mother and grandmother, who instilled in her a passion for helping others. This passion led her to Hope House, a Milwaukee non-profit, where she served as a Case Manager and Payee from 1992 to 2005. There, she provided emergency shelter, housing assistance and critical support to individuals facing homelessness, many struggling with mental health and addiction.
Her paths with Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force CEO, first crossed during their time at Hope House in the 90s. Years later, their shared commitment to social justice would reunite them at Hunger Task Force.
“Alicia is an amazing, resilient woman! Her virtually constant kindness for others has made her a role model to the entire staff of Hunger Task Force,” glows Sherrie. “I have tremendous respect for her gifts.”
Fueled by a desire to make an even greater impact, Alicia joined Hunger Task Force as a FoodShare Advocate in 2009. This role, which she held until 2018, perfectly aligned with her dedication to her community. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management from Cardinal Stritch University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University, Alicia wasn’t just providing food assistance; she was building bridges.
“I think Hunger Task Force is the epitome of helping people,” Alicia says. “Clients can come in, sit down in an inviting atmosphere and be treated with dignity.”
Alicia became a pillar within the organization, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by residents as state resources shifted. She played a pivotal role in filling the gap left by the closure of the south side welfare office, ensuring residents continued to receive the support they desperately needed.
Her dedication wasn’t confined to a single program. Alicia recognized the importance of self-sufficiency and empowered countless families, particularly those with children, to navigate the complexities of FoodShare. She strived to equip individuals and families with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
With the ever-growing need during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hunger Task Force opened Alicia’s Place in 2021. This north side location, named in her honor, is a testament to Alicia’s unwavering service. Here, residents can access one-on-one assistance with FoodShare and other federal nutrition programs in a welcoming, multilingual environment.
Alicia’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest change happens one helping hand at a time. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering spirit, Alicia continues to nourish the lives of countless Milwaukee residents, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.