Partner of the Month: Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association | July 2024
Hunger Task Force isn’t just Milwaukee Free & Local food bank – we’re a community. We believe in the power of collaboration, and that’s why we’re thrilled to recognize our amazing supporters through “Partner of the Month,” a platform to celebrate the incredible local organizations, businesses and companies who join us in the fight against hunger. They donate food, volunteer their time, raise awareness and provide financial support – strengthening our work in preventing hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger-free community tomorrow.
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Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association
Honeybees are essential for our environment, and the Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association (MWBA) is a dedicated group working hard to spread the word – and honey! – in southeast Wisconsin. With a focus on advocacy, education, and outreach, the MWBA is making a real difference improving the health of bee populations and the future of honey production. The association’s work with Hunger Task Force is directly contributing to the fight against hunger by providing vital pollination services for fresh produce grown for families in need.
“We’ve been working to build our community partnerships,” says Charlie Koenen, MWBA President.
While many MWBA members maintain their own hives, the association boasts a special apiary (bee yard) located at the Hunger Task Force Farm. This mutually beneficial partnership allows the MWBA to contribute to the local community in a significant way. The MWBA supplies both honeybees and the pollination services, which are crucial for a bountiful harvest.
“With our hives, we’re working to provide pollination to the orchards and other fruits and vegetables,” explains Koenen.
The MWBA’s commitment to education extends beyond their membership. The hive at The Farm serves as a valuable teaching tool for the community. “We install the bees, do health checks on the bees and pull harvests,” says Koenen, outlining the association’s role in keeping the observation hive buzzing. Additionally, MWBA members lend a helping hand with winterizing the hives at The Farm, ensuring the bee population thrives year-round.
With 175 members, the MWBA is a force to be reckoned with in the beekeeping world. They don’t just keep bees, they spread awareness about their importance. The association provides bee presentations for the community, donates honey to worthy causes, and works tirelessly to educate the public on the benefits of these busy pollinators.
“We’re happy to use the bees to help Hunger Task Force grow high quality produce for families in need,” says Koenen. “Our bees provide pollination which delivers abundance to the fields and orchards grown at The Farm. Bees are the primary pollinator of the crops grown at The Farm.”
The MWBA is a passionate community dedicated to the health of the bee population and the well-being of their local environment. Through their work with the Hunger Task Force, they are helping to ensure a sustainable and productive future for all.
If you’d like to learn more about the MWBA, visit their website at mwbeekeepers.org.
Meet our Partners of the Month!
Click below to discover real people, schools, organizations and businesses making a difference in the fight against hunger – new partners added each month! Keep checking back to meet more incredible partners making a difference.