Zach Lueck Ensures Wisconsin Seniors Receive Healthy Food Obtained with Dignity

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)—known locally as Stockbox—provides a box of supplementary food to low-income seniors every month. The Hunger Task Force administers the program and packs and distributes a free box of healthy food to people age 60+ who meet income requirements at 140 distribution sites across Wisconsin.

Our Senior Services Coordinator, Zach Lueck, works diligently to ensure all of Hunger Task Force’s allotted Stockboxes are distributed monthly to qualifying seniors. He manages dozens of Stockbox distribution sites throughout Wisconsin and meets with the coordinators of the sites regularly to understand how best he can support them. He also frequently attends distributions to assist with registration and provides guidance, as requested, with monthly reporting to ensure all required data is submitted by every Stockbox site.

When asked about why he loves working with seniors, Zach noted their positive attitudes.

“Every time I go to a site and I’m talking to folks, they share the best stories and give insight into how life is. Many of the seniors we serve are not in favorable financial situations, but, despite any setbacks or challenges, their positive outlook on life is really inspiring,” says Zach. “I am consistently greeted with a smile. I find a lot of fulfillment in my role because I get to make a difference every day. It’s special to play a key role in ensuring a senior doesn’t go hungry.”

Zach and his colleagues on the Senior Services Team at Hunger Task Force work diligently to ensure Stockbox distribution sites are a one-stop shop for seniors. They engage partner organizations to provide information on other vital services including housing, energy and healthcare. When Zach isn’t assisting with the facilitation of the Stockbox program, you can find him dressed up as a turkey right before Thanksgiving at a Food For Families phone bank or the annual Drive-Thru Food Drive.

Prior to accepting the role of Senior Services Coordinator, Zach served as a FoodShare Assistant for nearly 2.5 years. During his time in this role, he received a phone call from a client that made a profound impact on his career.

“The client I talked to needed assistance signing up for FoodShare. While signing her up, she mentioned needing healthcare as well,” said Zach. “So, I assisted with an application for healthcare and was able to get the client expedited approval so she could go to the doctor the following day. Upon hearing that, she enthusiastically asked me if she just won the lottery.”

Through the Stockbox program, Hunger Task Force distributes nearly 10,000 food boxes to low-income seniors every month filled with cereal, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta or rice, protein, fruit juice, canned meats and fresh Wisconsin cheese.

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.