Hunger Task Force Participates in White House “Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin”

Feb 20, 2023

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Hunger Task Force’s Executive Director, Sherrie Tussler, attended an exclusive conference at the White House: Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin. The half-day conference invited select Wisconsin leaders to share real-life examples, data, and anecdotes of the local impact the Biden-Harris Administration has contributed to in their community and across Wisconsin.

“I was once again honored to be invited to the White House and have the opportunity to share the work that has been done to support families and seniors in need but also create jobs and opportunities for Wisconsin agriculture,” said Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Hunger Task Force. “I look forward to learning how we can continue to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration to support families across Wisconsin.” 

During the conference, Tussler shared key updates on Hunger Task Force’s programs, including the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin and the Badger State Box. The “Badger Box” is a unique, trademarked program of Hunger Task Force supported through the American Recovery Plan. Hunger Task Force invested multiple rounds of 2022 and 2023 American Recovery Plan funds in infrastructure and equipment for emergency food programs and Tribal Nations across the state, and created a signature Badger Box comprised of foods purchased exclusively from Wisconsin farmers and producers. 

The Badger Box supports the dual purpose of feeding underserved families in remote and rural regions of the state while also supporting Wisconsin agriculture and food producers. Each month, nearly 15,000 Badger Boxes are distributed throughout the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin, a federation currently comprising 166 members representing all 72 counties and 11 Tribal Nations. 

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization provides healthy and nutritious food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a local advocacy group who then formed Milwaukee’s first food bank. Today, Hunger Task Force is 100% supported by the community and provides a safety net of emergency food with dignity to a network of 75 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Through legislative analysis, education and community organizing, Hunger Task Force continues to advocate for anti-hunger policy at the local, state and federal level.