Laura Peracchio Champions Food Justice Through Research and Collaboration with Hunger Task Force
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.
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For nearly a decade, Dr. Laura Peracchio has used her expertise in consumer psychology and marketing to support Hunger Task Force’s mission to feed Milwaukee families. A widely respected scholar, Laura is an editor for the Journal of Consumer Research, past President of the Society for Consumer Psychology and Emeritus Professor of Marketing and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Her research has published in top journals like Journal of Marketing Research and Journal of Consumer Psychology.
Laura’s partnership with Hunger Task Force began with a simple act of community involvement — a peanut butter drive in Shorewood, where she volunteered with her children. Her collaboration evolved, leading to co-authored research with the organization that has not only provided insights into food wellbeing but also helped Hunger Task Force secure critical funding and grants to strengthen our community impact.
“Laura’s partnership through her research and publications has provided a unique lens to evaluate, grow and support Hunger Task Force’s key programs, especially our Mobile Market,” shares Jonathan Hansen, Hunger Task Force Chief Strategy Officer.
With a strong focus on food wellbeing, her work reframes food access from a holistic perspective, advocating not just for food security but also for the quality and healthiness of what people consume.
With her doctoral students, Laura conducted pivotal studies with the organization, that culminated in published work with significant influence across academic fields. Laura’s studies, which have gained recognition for their wide applicability, brought about new perspectives on food equity and supported – through detailed research – Hunger Task Force initiatives like the Mobile Market, MyPlate model and Hunger Task Force Farm.
Laura’s studies offer compelling data that prove how healthy, accessible food options can address systemic health issues that are prevalent in food-insecure communities, which, in turn, allows Hunger Task Force to meet both nutritional and cultural needs in Milwaukee. Her advocacy is a reminder that food justice goes beyond simply providing meals; it’s also about understanding and fulfilling the needs of a community, right down to its roots.
Explore more of Laura’s research publications on our Hunger Publication page.
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.