Senator Herb Kohl’s Legacy Includes Improving Community Nutrition in Milwaukee
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger.
Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,” honoring the anti-hunger heroes who champion Free & Local and support our mission to end hunger.
———————————————
A leader in both the private and public sector, Senator Herb Kohl leaves behind a legacy that has positively impacted countless lives in Milwaukee and beyond.
A son of immigrants, Kohl grew up in a home within the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee that was rooted in resilience, persistence and hope. His parents placed education above all else while also instilling the importance of giving back and community. These values guided him throughout his adult life.
Senator Kohl represented the state of Wisconsin in the U. S. Senate for 24 years. His famous slogan was “Nobody’s Senator But Yours.” He served as the Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee—of critical importance to Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force’s work. He was instrumental in leading the development of school breakfast legislation for kids and bringing the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to Wisconsin for seniors. This program, more commonly known as “Stockbox,” provides monthly boxes of healthy food to low-income seniors across the state. Hunger Task Force is a proud administrator of the program, which aims to improve health outcomes for seniors. During his time in the Senate, Senator Kohl often cited Hunger Task Force’s work and referred to Hunger Task Force as a leading voice and innovator in combatting hunger locally and healthfully.
Senator Kohl’s parents taught him, and his siblings, that they would be measured far more by what they contributed than by what they had. With philanthropy a key part of his ethos, he prioritized meeting basic needs such as food, shelter and community health care services and, through Herb Kohl Philanthropies, financially supported organizations like Hunger Task Force that make a meaningful impact in the community.
Hunger Task Force is grateful to have been impacted by his philanthropy. All the gifts received from his foundation were used to provide nutritious foods to thousands of vulnerable children, families and seniors in Milwaukee County.
Meet the 50 Faces of Ending Hunger!
Click below to discover real people making a difference in the fight against hunger – new faces added each month! As we journey through our 50th year, keep checking back to meet more incredible individuals making a difference.