Hunger Task Force Prepares for Opening Day of Wisconsin State Fair

MILWAUKEE – (Aug. 2, 2021) – Join Hunger Task Force and Wells Fargo for the return of the Opening Day donation tradition at the Wisconsin State Fair. On Thursday, Aug. 5, fairgoers can donate two cans of peaches or pears, or make a cash donation at the gate to receive $2 admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. New this year, a digital option is also available for contactless entry.

After a careful year and a unique “Donation Drive-Thru” event in 2020, this summer will look much like the admission promotion of years’ past. Though there has been an increase of online support—a direct result of the pandemic as people strive for safer, contactless and more efficient donations—canned fruit continues to be an in-demand item in the emergency food pantry network. Those bringing donated items for admission on Thursday are encouraged to bring peaches or pears (or any canned fruit!) in 100% juice (without added sugar).

Additionally, Hunger Task Force will be producing a new display at Central Park this year. Fairgoers can take a “tour” to learn about how Hunger Task Force supported Wisconsin agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the many success stories from the Dairy Recovery Program. This interactive display will include samples from local cheese producers, a photo-based storytelling journey and live music.

Hunger Task Force is also offering a digital option this year, where fairgoers can make their donation and complete their order for the $2 ticket online. A minimum $10 donation is required per pair of tickets, the equivalent of a 50% discount off the gate admission price of $14. The online promotion is available through Thursday, Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. and is available at: www.hungertaskforce.org/state-fair-2021/

Opening Day of Wisconsin State Fair will also celebrate another “first” for 2021 with the inclusion of volunteers. In late March 2020, Hunger Task Force suspended all volunteer activities to maintain health and safety standards, both for the community and for food banking operations. Thursday’s support will be a mix of Hunger Task Force staff and individual volunteers, who will be social distancing and utilizing gloves and abundant hand sanitizer.

Hunger Task Force values volunteers as our most appreciated resource and is excited to welcome back small groups or individuals who have been vaccinated. Applications are available at www.hungertaskforce.org/volunteer.

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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.