Justin Aprahamian of Sanford Restaurant Cooks to Combat Hunger
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 many years, Sanford Restaurant was a part of Taste of the NFL, an annual purpose-driven culinary experience at the Super Bowl that raises awareness and funds to support food insecurity. Through the annual event, Justin Aprahamian was introduced to Hunger Task Force.
“It has been one of my greatest joys to start this relationship with Hunger Task Force,” says Justin, “Staff have been so hands on and enable me to see firsthand how my contributions to the organization make a difference in the Milwaukee community I love to live and work in.”
As a restauranteur who is committed to using local ingredients, Justin is exceptionally fond of the Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin, Wisconsin, that acts as a lifeline for low-income residents in the Milwaukee community.
“We really rely on farm fresh produce for the restaurant. It’s amazing that you’re providing produce of the same quality to people – at no cost – who would otherwise not be able to afford it,” adds Justin.
During the growing season, the Farm harvests more than 500,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that are a welcome addition to the food bank’s offerings. The fresh produce is distributed to low-income children, families and seniors at Hunger Task Force’s 66 network partners throughout Milwaukee County.
Yearly, Justin – a James Beard Award winner – and his team at Sanford donate their time to prepare and serve a seasonal menu at the Fall Donor Event held at Hunger Task Force.
“Whenever I cook at this event, I leave feeling enthused about the Hunger Task Force mission and really inspired by all the work Hunger Task Force does to provide for those who need assistance in our community,” shares Justin. “I have a lot of fun curating the event menu based on what Hunger Task Force is working on each year.”
Justin, like Hunger Task Force, believes food is medicine. He is passionate about bringing people together to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal and champions Hunger Task Force’s work to provide emergency food with dignity on the day someone needs it and in the neighborhood they live in.
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.