Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Sheboygan County Food Bank

Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, which is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries. Sheboygan County Food Bank, a member of the federation for almost eight years, leads Sheboygan County’s efforts to increase the food security of its residents by distributing healthy emergency food.

“I have deep appreciation for the Hunger Relief Federation. Staff have been such great mentors to us over the years and have freely shared operational knowledge,” said Patrick Boyle, executive director of Sheboygan County Food Bank. “Without our involvement in the Federation, our organization would not have developed the strong relationships needed to receive the capital investments from our community to increase our capacity to serve thousands of families monthly.”

With help and guidance from staff who run the Hunger Relief Federation, the food bank has grown from one devoted part-time employee to a team of eight staff members. With an extensive network of food pantries as well as community meal sites, shelters, and other organizations, Sheboygan County Food Bank operates as Sheboygan County’s central collection point that efficiently stores both fresh and nonperishable food, helping support thousands of families each month.  

The food bank partners with food pantries and organizations in Sheboygan County to help individuals and families in need. One of the first programs it introduced is Food For Thought For Kids – a program that provides supplemental food for children, in a backpack, to take home on the weekends when they otherwise would go without enough to eat. In 2023, the organization provided food to 24 area schools that reached 450 children.

Sheboygan County Food Bank is unique in that the organization also operates the Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry – a drive-thru food pantry located at Sheboygan County Food Bank that provides fresh and healthy emergency food two times per week. At the food pantry, volunteers load fresh produce and non-perishable items directly into clients’ vehicles.

“In Sheboygan, we’re seeing more individuals who have to choose between buying food and paying bills like energy or medical bills,” adds Patrick. “Looking at our data over the last two years, we’re finding that more people come to a food pantry just once or twice because they need a little help in the short-term.”

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.