Hunger Task Force Partners with Mount Mary University to Educate About and Enroll College Students in FoodShare

FoodShare is the first line of defense against hunger. At Hunger Task Force, our talented team of FoodShare Advocates dedicate their workdays to educating those eligible about FoodShare and helping them apply for the 100% fully government funded benefits.  

As classroom doors begin to reopen at campuses across the city, Abigail Sanchez, a FoodShare Advocate at Hunger Task Force, is hard at work launching a FoodShare awareness program at Mount Mary University to ensure students receive the access to and information they need about FoodShare.

“The program consists of me tabling during the lunch hour. I bring flyers about FoodShare in addition to information about the Hunger Task Force Mobile Market and food pantries within our network that are close by,” said Abigail. “I also answer any questions students have about FoodShare and provide my card for them to call me if they need assistance applying for FoodShare or maintaining their benefits.”

The relationship with Mount Mary University is supported through one of the school’s case managers who refers students to Hunger Task Force to get questions answered about FoodShare and receive assistance applying for the government benefits. This month, Abigail will kick off her visits to Mount Mary University with the goal of visiting the campus once per month.

“It feels good when you’re able to help a student obtain their FoodShare benefits and you know at least some of the financial burden is lifted off their shoulders,” adds Abigail.

In Wisconsin, there is not a deadline for applying for FoodShare. Students can apply on their own timeline but may be required to show verification within a certain number of days. Once students are approved, they will receive a Quest card in the mail – which acts like a debit card at the grocery store – that is loaded each month with funds to provide buying power at the market.

To see the full list of student eligibility exemptions for FoodShare, click here. If you would like to have one of our FoodShare Advocates visit your campus, please email our FoodShare Outreach Program Manager Allen Castillo at [email protected].

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.