Why Hunger Task Force Farmer Jordan Leitner Left Legal Services to Become a Farmer

Spanning 208 acres in Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce that acts as a lifeline for the community. During the growing season, with help from nearly 6,000 volunteers, The Farm harvests more than half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that are distributed to children, families and seniors in need throughout Milwaukee County. 

One of our talented farmers is Jordan Leitner who is completing his fourth season on the job. His pathway to Hunger Task Force is rather untraditional. Jordan worked as a paralegal for nearly eight years before he was laid off at the start of the pandemic. Instead of rushing into a new job, he took time to reflect on his professional experience and make his next move very intentionally. 

“I wasn’t doing anything truly fulfilling to me. I felt pigeonholed in a career that I landed after college,” said Jordan. “During the pandemic, it was a very comfortable time for me to take a step back and consider what makes me truly happy, what I really enjoy doing and how I can make a living following my passions.”

After reflection, Jordan applied for a position on the Farm and received an offer to be a seasonal farm hand. During his first summer, he focused on learning about the crops and their growing habits and helping yield a bountiful harvest. Now, Jordan helps train farm hands – and he loves it.

“What’s unique about Hunger Task Force is you don’t need to have a traditional farming background to get your foot in the door. The Farm is so unique in that our staff come with a variety of experiences,” adds Jordan. “I was so fortunate that I was able to try farming as a seasonal farm hand to ensure it’s the right career path for me.”

Jordan takes pride in rolling up his sleeves and working alongside dedicated staff and volunteers to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables that fill a huge nutritional void in many local communities.

Having served as the volunteer coordinator before accepting the role of farmer, Jordan encourages volunteers to step outside of their comfort zones and join him in tending to a diverse array of crops that will feed our hungry neighbors in need.

“You never know. A volunteer shift on the Farm could help people find something they’re truly passionate about,” adds Jordan. “It’s so gratifying to harvest hundreds of pounds of fruits and vegetables knowing they will travel to a table in Milwaukee to feed people in need who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them.”

Cultivating a wide offering of nutritious, culturally familiar foods for our diverse community is key at the Hunger Task Force Farm. Jordan and our talented team of farmers harvest 70 varieties of 28 different crops to ensure a well-rounded selection for those in need.

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.