Volunteers Are the Heartbeat of Hunger Task Force

Written by Mardi Smirl, Hunger Task Force Community Relations Manager

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Hunger Task Force. As the Community Relations Manager at Hunger Task Force, I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most compassionate individuals in our community and our ever-growing team of Hunger Task Force volunteers which now includes more than 15,000 individuals!

Our volunteer numbers continue to impress me. In 2024, we recruited 649 volunteers to assist with 40 community events and 420 volunteers to assist with a variety of outreach campaigns, which resulted in 4,276 hours of volunteer time logged!

Volunteerism builds connections, fosters empathy and significantly impacts the lives of the children, families, and seniors we serve in communities across Milwaukee County. Those who dedicate their time to the Hunger Task Force’s mission to provide emergency food to people in need on the day they need it not only uplift those around them but also find that it nourishes their souls.

One such volunteer is my friend, Jean Faas. At first, she volunteered to assist with occasional tasks, including folding letters and addressing envelopes for mailings. However, as she worked alongside our agency staff and other volunteers, Jean quickly realized that her work meant so much. She could sense that every envelope sealed, senior food distribution, traditional food drive or pantry survey she participated in added another stitch in the fabric that strengthens our community. She heard stories of struggle, resilience and gratitude. It struck her deeply how volunteering could not only change the lives of others but also create an interconnected network of care and compassion.

“Seeing hope light up the faces of the people we serve is humbling. No one should ever go hungry, and being part of that positive change is something I’ll never forget,” said Jean.

The bonds between volunteers and community members are palpable, enabling them to feel part of something greater.

I am genuinely grateful to my dear friend Jean and the thousands of volunteers like her who selflessly give their time to support our mission of feeding people today and addressing future hunger.

There’s always space for more. Come and join us – learn more about volunteering here!

Volunteer Jean Faas (right) helps a shopper on the Mobile Market.

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.