The Impact and the Experience Volunteering on our Mobile Market
Written by Julia Prange, Hunger Task Force Volunteer Program Manager
The Hunger Task Force Mobile Market is more than just a grocery store on wheels. It’s a vital resource for those living in areas within Milwaukee County without nearby grocery stores – often referred to as food deserts. Not only do the shoppers benefit from the convenience and discounted prices of groceries on the Mobile Market, but the volunteers who serve them do as well through rewarding client interactions. Here’s why volunteering for this program is so important and an inside look at the incredible role nearly 1,000 annual volunteers play.
The Power of Face-to-Face Service
Volunteering on the Mobile Market offers direct, face-to-face service, which not all volunteer opportunities at Hunger Task Force provide. In addition to helping shoppers find their items and bagging groceries at the checkout, volunteers can connect with the community members they’re serving and see the real impact they’re making.
“I want to actually see who I’m helping,” says Tim Rottmann, who began volunteering on the Mobile Market in 2024 after being referred by a friend. “There’s something uniquely fulfilling about making that human connection.”
For many volunteers, experiences at the Mobile Market make a lasting impact because seniors and families throughout Milwaukee County turn to the Mobile Market as their primary source of fresh and healthy foods.
Mobile Market shoppers’ experiences are improved by volunteer help! Whether it’s through assisting shoppers with limited mobility on board or lending an extra hand carrying heavy bags of nutritious foods to cars, there’s always extra support to be lent. Volunteers ensure top tier service for shoppers, many of whom use EBT/SNAP to purchase their groceries and create a positive and welcoming environment.
A Call to Action
Volunteers are an essential component of operating the Mobile Market so Hunger Task Force can continue to provide convenient and affordable access to healthy foods. Joining the Hunger Task Force Volunteer Network is a way to make a lasting and rewarding impact in the Milwaukee community.
Mobile Market volunteer shifts occur throughout the week on a monthly rotating basis at various times and locations. To serve your community by becoming a Mobile Market volunteer.
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.