Enhancing Dignity and Nutritious Options: Sally Callan’s Legacy on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors

Jul 11, 2024

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 three decades, Sally Callan was a dedicated member of the board of directors at Hunger Task Force. Her tenure was marked by a focus on dignity and nutrition, particularly during her time as the Board Chair.

When Sally first joined the very first Hunger Task Force Board of Directors in 1977, the organization was focused mainly on grassroots anti-hunger and school meals advocacy. During her time, Hunger Task Force became Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank.

“I was seeking out the opportunity to be more active and political. What I couldn’t accomplish at work, I was able to get done at Hunger Task Force,” Callan said.

Sally worked as a nutritionist for 40 years for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program to provide nutrition education to mothers, caregivers and children. Through her role, she truly understood the vital role of education in improving health outcomes.

As a board member, she supported Hunger Task Force’s growing efforts to teach people about healthy food options. She championed Hunger Task Force initiatives that ensure food pantries distribute high-quality food – a mission central to the food bank’s operations today. Today, Hunger Task Force is dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits through the Hunger Task Force Farm, the SNAP-ED program and additional hands-on learning experiences.

“I appreciate the equitable service model of Hunger Task Force that continues to serve people regardless of background, faith or race,” adds Callan.

Families facing hunger often struggle with additional health issues, such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure, which underscores the importance of providing healthy foods at local food pantries and meal programs.

Sally valued the opportunity to establish connections with advocates, changemakers and civic leaders across the city and region.

“Hunger Task Force is great at building networks. You can’t do this type of work alone,” she emphasized. “The community should feel responsible, so we partnered with people who could bring the community together and focus on building a healthy community for all.”

Through her work, Sally Callan significantly contributed to Hunger Task Force’s mission of fighting hunger through education, advocacy and community collaboration. Her dedication continues to inspire others to join the cause, making a lasting impact on countless families in Milwaukee and beyond. Sally’service to families through the WIC program underscores her lifelong commitment to ensuring vulnerable populations receive the nutrition they need for healthy development.

Meet the 50 Faces of Ending Hunger!

Click below to discover real people making a difference in the fight against hunger – new faces added each month! As we journey through our 50th year, keep checking back to meet more incredible individuals making a difference.