Touchdowns for Hunger Celebrates 21 Years of Tackling Food Insecurity in Wisconsin

Dec 19, 2023

Touchdowns for Hunger, the partnership between Hunger Task Force, Sargento and the Green Bay Packers, turned 21 this year! This milestone wasn’t just marked with touchdowns on the field, but also with a heartwarming celebration on Tuesday, December 19, at Hunger Task Force’s West Milwaukee headquarters.

The festive tailgate party echoed the spirit of Touchdowns for Hunger – a team effort against hunger in Wisconsin. Packers alumni Gary Ellerson and Wayne Lerrivee, the iconic voice of the Green Bay Packers, joined the celebration. The tailgate party is an acknowledgement of the generosity of Sargento and recognizes Hunger Task Force volunteers, partners and donors for their yearlong support.

Speaking at the event, Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento, expressed his pride in the program’s achievements. “For 21 years, Touchdowns for Hunger has combined our love for football with our commitment to fighting hunger in Wisconsin. It’s an honor to work alongside the Packers and Hunger Task Force to make a real difference in our communities.”

Sherrie Tussler, CEO of Hunger Task Force, acknowledged the program’s vital role in addressing food insecurity in the state. “Touchdowns for Hunger has been a game-changer. Sargento’s and the Packers’ unwavering support has allowed us to provide millions of meals to families in need. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued dedication.”

The celebration wasn’t just about speeches and checks. The festive atmosphere buzzed with the joy of community coming together for a worthy cause. Packers superfans, decked out in their green and gold, mingled with volunteers, partners and Packers legends.

Touchdowns for Hunger’s 21st anniversary is a testament to the power of collaboration. Since its inception in 2002, the partnership has raised over $1.8 million to end hunger in the state. The program is simple yet effective: for every touchdown scored by the Packers during the regular season, Sargento donates $2,000 to Hunger Task Force and Paul’s Pantry. This not only provides much-needed financial support but also raises awareness about the issue of hunger in Wisconsin, a state where one in eight individuals struggles with food insecurity.

Let’s raise a glass (or a cheese curd!) to 21 years of Touchdowns for Hunger! As the Green Bay Packers finish out the season, fans can cheer not only for touchdowns but also for the positive impact they’re making through Touchdowns for Hunger. Each touchdown represents a victory in the fight against hunger. With the continued support of Sargento and Hunger Task Force, the Packers can continue to score big for their community both on and off the field.

Your donation, alongside Sargento’s support, helps support hungry families at a crucial time during the holidays. Support Touchdowns for Hunger!

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization provides healthy and nutritious food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a local advocacy group who then formed Milwaukee’s first food bank. Today, Hunger Task Force is 100% supported by the community and provides a safety net of emergency food with dignity to a network of 75 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Through legislative analysis, education and community organizing, Hunger Task Force continues to advocate for anti-hunger policy at the local, state and federal level. For more information, visit HungerTaskForce.org.