Barb Holt is a Standout Volunteer Helping End Hunger in Milwaukee
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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At Hunger Task Force, volunteers are critical to our mission of ending hunger in Milwaukee. Among them, Barb Holt stands out for her time and generosity, which has spanned more than three decades. Barb’s commitment as a donor and willingness to step into any role as a volunteer have made a lasting impact on the thousands of families, kids and seniors we serve each month.
Barb’s connection to Hunger Task Force began in the late 1980s through the longstanding National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger food drive – a cause that was particularly meaningful to her. “Volunteering for Stamp Out Hunger was my way of honoring my father’s 41 years as a letter carrier in Port Washington,” says Barb. “Supporting this event is always in his memory.” From those first experiences, Barb became a familiar face at Hunger Task Force and shows up regularly to lend her time and energy.
“I feel I have a responsibility to give back,” Barb says. “I find a lot of joy in volunteering.”
Since retiring in 2007, Barb has made Hunger Task Force one of her primary volunteer destinations and has logged over 3,000 hours of service through weekly volunteer shifts. She’s worked on everything from packing Stockboxes for low-income seniors to creating the first database of volunteers—before software was available.
Barb’s willingness to step into any role, whether helping with mailings, sorting food from large-scale events or maintaining the donor database, makes her an invaluable asset to the team. “I never know what I’ll do when I walk in the door, and I really love that,” she says. “Every activity is a learning opportunity, and volunteering gives you a chance to meet and connect with others.”
For Barb, giving back is more than just a task – it’s a way of life that was instilled in her by her parents. “My five sisters and I grew up with parents who always shared what they had with those who had less. It was an unspoken rule to seek out ways to give back, and my mother loved feeding others,” she reflects. “When I put these family morals together, it fits in with the mission and values of Hunger Task Force perfectly.”
Barb’s contributions extend beyond just her time. She’s also a passionate advocate for Hunger Task Force’s unique mission as Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. “I used to donate to other local food banks before volunteering here,” she admits. “This lasted until I realized other food banks charge for food, deliveries and memberships. Hunger Task Force does not. Now I only support Hunger Task Force.”
For Barb, no task is too small. “You know what they say—a mountain gets moved one rock at a time,” she says. Barb acknowledges that every volunteer contribution, no matter its size, helps Hunger Task Force move closer to ending hunger for Milwaukee’s families, seniors and children.
Barb Holt exemplifies the spirit of Hunger Task Force volunteers, and her legacy is felt by everyone we serve. Volunteers like Barb remind us that the work we do isn’t just about food – it’s about equity, compassion and care. As we continue to work toward ending hunger in Milwaukee, we know we couldn’t do it without the generosity and commitment of volunteers like Barb Holt. Her reliability, warmth and dedication have truly made an impact, and we are grateful for every hour she’s spent supporting the Hunger Task Force mission.
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.