Hunger Task Force and Salvation Army Oak Creek Partner to Provide Nutritious Foods to Residents in Milwaukee’s Southern Suburbs

For more than 21 years, Hunger Task Force and Oak Creek Salvation Army have been working together to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee’s southern suburbs of Oak Creek, Greendale, Greenfield, Franklin and Hales Corners. In fact, nearly 50% of the food on pantry shelves is from Hunger Task Force.

“The healthy food we receive from Hunger Task Force is a game-changer,” said Jessica Dhuse, social ministries coordinator for The Salvation Army Oak Creek Centennial Corps. “Because of the large volume we receive, we can ensure a three-five-day emergency supply of food to all pantry clients.”

The pantry at Oak Creek Salvation Army is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and provides healthy shelf staples for breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.

To cultivate a personal shopping experience, Salvation Army Oak Creek transitioned to a choice pantry in September of 2022 to enable every one of its 200 monthly clients to choose healthy foods that match their personal preferences.

According to the U.S. census, nearly 5% of Oak Creek residents live in poverty. While there is not a homeless shelter located in Oak Creek, the pantry serves a large homeless population in addition to area residents who live paycheck-to-paycheck. This year, Salvation Army Oak Creek has experienced an increase in traffic from residents in Franklin and Greendale.

Hunger Task Force is the only food bank in Milwaukee that does not charge for food, delivery or network membership and works diligently to ensure families can receive emergency food with dignity, on the day they need it and in the neighborhood they live in.

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.