Partner of the Month: WISN 12 | December 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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WISN 12
For seven decades, WISN 12 has been Milwaukee’s trusted source for local news, weather and stories that impact the community. In 2024, WISN 12 celebrated its 70th anniversary by launching the impactful ‘70 Years of Service’ campaign, a year-long initiative that shone a spotlight on hunger-related stories and highlighted Hunger Task Force’s Free & Local mission to end hunger in Milwaukee.
As Hunger Task Force’s longest-tenured partner, WISN 12 has been a steadfast advocate for our mission to end hunger. Since 1978, when they first launched the Food for Families campaign, WISN 12 has shown unparalleled commitment to the community. Throughout 2024, the station focused on stories of ending hunger, ranging from the importance of volunteering to highlighting essential programs like the Mobile Market and Summer Meals Collaborative.
“We wanted this milestone year to reflect our unwavering commitment to the community we serve,” said Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Partnering with Hunger Task Force has allowed us to not only raise awareness about hunger but create meaningful change through our viewers’ generosity.”
Through on-air features, online articles, and social media outreach, WISN 12 highlighted Hunger Task Force’s key programs:
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- How we support our food pantry network partners by providing free food to feed children, families and seniors in need.
- How our administration of the Stockbox program provides more than 10,000 Milwaukee County seniors with healthy nonperishable food they need.
- How our Nutrition Education team develops family-friendly recipes using items that can be found on the shelves at food pantries within the Hunger Task Force network.
- The importance of our nearly 16,000 volunteers who dedicate time at The Farm and in our Volunteer Center to pack Stockboxes for seniors and sort healthy donated food.
- How our 208-acre Farm in Franklin, Wisconsin grows nearly 500,000 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables for the express purpose of feeding the hungry through our network of food pantries, homeless shelters and meal sites.
- The value of our Mobile Market as a grocery store on wheels that visits food deserts in Milwaukee to provide healthy food from Piggly Wiggly at a discount.
- The impact of the Summer Meals collaboration that provides free, healthy meals for school-age children during the summer months at more than 170 local parks, recreation centers, schools and churches.
“The great people at WISN 12 were responsible for naming us when the first Food for Families drive was held,” shares Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force. “Year after year, they commit many hours to community service and bring their knowledge of anti-hunger work to the forefront. Their dedication is integral to Milwaukee’s fight against hunger.”
Over the years, the partnership between Hunger Task Force and WISN 12 has achieved incredible results, including raising more than $1.7 million since 2012.
WISN 12’s contributions have earned national recognition, including the ‘Celebration of Service to America Award’ by the National Association of Broadcasters for their efforts to raise funds and rescue milk for local farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through their consistent support, WISN 12 demonstrates how media can drive positive change. Their efforts don’t just inform—they inspire. To learn more about WISN 12’s ‘70 Years of Service’ campaign or to contribute, visit WISN’s campaign page.
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.