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Hunger Task Force News & Features
With the 2021 harvest season coming to a close, Hunger Task Force plans ahead at The Farm
The Hunger Task Force Farm is a substantial source of fruits and vegetables for the local network of emergency food pantries and meal programs served by Hunger Task Force. The Farm has been around since 1839 and has seen an end to the harvest hundreds of times. This period, marked by cooling weather and final days in the field, ushers in winter planning and budgeting for the next season.
‘Summer Meals’ provides 200k+ summertime meals for children in 2021
Summertime is a peak season for childhood hunger as students go without meals they would normally receive at school. To combat summer hunger, the federal Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals to children aged 18 or younger during the summer months. Hunger Task Force administers the SFSP in such a large and inclusive way that it’s often dubbed the “Milwaukee Model.”
Hunger Task Force honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Casey Gott reflects on family heritage
Gott came to Hunger Task Force with a background in non-profit work at a variety of mission-driven organizations. Most recently, she worked as a substitute teacher at the Indian Community School (ICS), a private, faith-based school serving approximately 361 intertribal American Indian students from fifteen different tribal backgrounds.
Hunger Task Force Fall 2021 Newsletter now available online
Explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Fall 2021 Newsletter! Read about our bountiful harvest season at The Farm, the innovative Stockbox DoorDash program for seniors, continued advocacy work across the state and how YOU can support the Hunger Task Force Mission virtually this holiday season.
Anthem Foundation announces $100,000 gift to support Hunger Task Force MyPlate program
As part of their commitment to improving lives and communities through strategic programs, the Anthem Foundation announced a $100,000 gift to support the Hunger Task Force’s MyPlate program.
Hunger Task Force kicks off annual ‘Food For Families’ holiday food drive
It’s time for the 2022 True Inspiration Awards at Chick-fil-A, and Hunger Task Force is a finalist! The True Inspiration Awards™ program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. Through these annual grants, we are proud to celebrate and support nonprofit organizations who are Black-led or serve communities of color and who are working in the areas of education, hunger or homelessness.
Hunger Task Force invests in network partners
This fall, an extra $500,000 of funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program was made available to build capacity in the emergency food network so programs could take on more food and operate safely during no-contact distributions. Hunger Task Force invested 100% of these federal funds into our network, purchasing over 600 items including transit vans, refrigerators, freezers, pallet jacks, racks, PPE supplies, tables and more.
Stockbox DoorDash eases hardship of grocery shopping for Milwaukee senior
For Elizabeth Blake, getting to the grocery store is becoming a challenge. Relying on a cane for mobility, Blake notes her monthly shopping trip has become a significant hardship, “I get to the grocery store about once a month because getting around is so hard for me.”
Volunteer Coordinator taps into time and talents of community
Since welcoming back volunteers earlier this year, nearly 3,000 volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to offer assistance. As Volunteer Coordinator, Julia Prange connects groups and individuals to the Hunger Task Force mission, offering opportunities to give back.
Hunger Task Force moves food bank operations to new headquarters
Hunger Task Force recently transitioned all food bank operations to the new headquarters located at 5000 W. Electric Avenue in West Milwaukee. With fresh walls shaping new spaces the 120,000 square foot building is under an immense transformation.
Hunger Task Force named finalist for True Inspiration Award grant
It’s time for the 2022 True Inspiration Awards at Chick-fil-A, and Hunger Task Force is a finalist! The True Inspiration Awards™ program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. Through these annual grants, we are proud to celebrate and support nonprofit organizations who are Black-led or serve communities of color and who are working in the areas of education, hunger or homelessness.
Urgent Appeal for Afghan guests in Fort McCoy
Hunger Task Force is partnering with the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC) to assist Afghan refugees. MMWC reached out to Hunger Task Force with an urgent request to act as a drop off site for donations of clothing, food and other items to assist Afghan refugees arriving at Fort McCoy. Although there will only be up to 500 Afghan guests (refugees) eventually resettled in Wisconsin there are thousands that are being processed in Fort McCoy.
Waukesha School Board Votes To Feed All Students
Schools play a critical role in feeding children. For many students, food they receive at school may be the only nutritional meal they’ll receive that day. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has historically ensured that income-eligible students are able to receive meals free of charge or at a reduced rate.
Hunger Task Force invests in emergency food network
This fall, an extra $500,000 of funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program was made available to build capacity in the emergency food network so programs could take on more food and operate safely during no-contact distributions.
Hunger Relief Federation welcomes new Field Organizer
With a background in canvassing, case management and campaign organizing, Matthew Grover comes to Hunger Task Force with a wealth of experience in coordinating groups and expanding coalition strategy.
Milwaukee Farmers Market Coalition Guide to Milwaukee’s 2021 Markets
The main goal of the Milwaukee Farmers Market Coalition (MFMC) is to increase access to, and utilization of, farmers markets by building capacity to serve low-income consumers and by attracting a diverse clientele with the long-term impact of increasing produce intake within Milwaukee area communities by convening interested FMs along with healthcare, governmental, non-profit, citizens, and other partners.
Block Out Hunger campaign leads to $16,700 gift from Cousins Subs
For the sixth consecutive season, Cousins Subs and the Milwaukee Bucks teamed up to fight hunger across the state of Wisconsin through the Block Out Hunger campaign. For every shot blocked by the Bucks during the 2020-21 regular season, Cousins Subs donated $50 to Hunger Task Force.
Additional harvest volunteers needed at Hunger Task Force Farm
As September approaches, harvest is in full swing at the Hunger Task Force Farm, and Hunger Task Force needs extra volunteers to get the job done. Located in Franklin, WI, The Farm engages 5,500 volunteers throughout a typical season, from planning to harvest. With volunteers welcomed back to the Farm in 2021, Hunger Task Force has been coordinating with a variety of community members, business and foundation groups, to individuals and retired folks.
USDA Modernizes the Thrifty Food Plan, Updates SNAP Benefits
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on October 1, 2021.
Artists Wanted! Seeking submissions for annual Holiday Card program
The Hunger Task Force annual Holiday Card program is a festive tradition – every card sent and received helps put food on the table for local families, children and seniors. Hunger Task Force is looking for creative, festive, secular designs that focus on togetherness, connectivity and winter traditions.
Route Representatives move mission ahead at full throttle
Route Representatives – drivers, distributers and delivery-ers of Hunger Task Force food resources – are critical to our mission. As the daily link to volunteers, pantries and distribution sites, this team of seven serves as the front line to our growing network.
Summer Meals program feeds youth and connects drivers to community
Arriving in a white transit van adorned with “Salvation Army Feed The Kids” decals, Jamal Turrentine and Isaiah Henderson pull up next to the splash pad at Carver Park in Milwaukee. As the duo exit the vehicle, a modest line begins to form at the back where…
Stockbox delivery program engages DoorDash drivers in mission to serve seniors
As she arrived at the large warehouse off W. Electric Ave, Dionna Henderson already knew this pick-up was not her typical DoorDash request. As she followed the large blue arrows set out to lead driver to the loading area, Henderson welcomed the idea of supporting the Hunger Task Force mission of providing food to…
Hunger Task Force Prepares for Opening Day of Wisconsin State Fair
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.
Hunger Task Force Introduces Box Delivery for Homebound Seniors
Hunger Task Force is excited to offer a brand new method for getting healthy, shelf-stable food items to seniors with the Stockbox DoorDash program. In partnership with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and DoorDash, Hunger Task Force kicks off this pilot delivery program that provides a free Stockbox to homebound, income-eligible seniors.
Family’s passion for cooking together inspires gift for nutrition education
For Brian McCarty, spending time with his children in the kitchen has always been a treasured tradition. With a focus on mastering the basics, McCarty hoped to model for his children the capacity to transform simple ingredients into delicious yet nutritious…
Hunger Task Force Receives $500K Capital Campaign Leadership Gift
Hunger Task Force is thrilled to announce a generous $500,000 capital campaign gift from the Brian A. McCarty Family Fund through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to support the development of the new headquarters’ Nutrition Education Kitchen.
WISN 12 Honored with National Celebration of Service to America Award
WISN – WISN 12 has been presented with the Celebration Of Service To America Award in the Television – Large Market category by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation for its entry WISN Feeds the Hungry. This prestigious program…
Support the Hunger Task Force Farm – Volunteer. Tour. Give.
There are plenty of ways to support the Hunger Task Force Farm! Located in the suburb of Franklin, The Farm grows a wide variety of items to ensure hungry families have access to Free & Local produce. Consider taking a tour, volunteering your time or supporting this amazing work with a gift to The Farm.
Hunger Task Force Opens Alicia’s Place: FoodShare Resource Center
Milwaukee’s north side is wrought with poverty, homeless and opportunity to help those in need. Hunger Task Force is expanding its services to support an area where between 50-75% of residents are eligible to receive food…
Wisconsin Assembly halts vote on repeal of mask mandate
ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Assembly on Thursday abruptly canceled a vote to repeal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate in the face of broad criticism from the state’s health, school and business leaders and out of concern it would jeopardize more than $49 million a month in federal aid.
Wisconsin Dairy Recovery program underway
WISCONSIN STATE FARMER — The newly announced Wisconsin Dairy Recovery Program—a partnership between Hunger Task Force, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection—is in full swing. The first 2,480 gallons of fresh, whole milk were delivered to Hunger Task Force on Friday and has been distributed to local food pantries.
Sarah Wisniewski & Kyle Koch of The Hunger Task Force Farm Feed A Community
Located in Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm comprises 208 acres and supplies about 50,000 people with food each month. Each season, about half a million pounds of food are supplied from The Farm to food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other sites.
Sargento teaming up with Packers for Touchdowns for Hunger program
GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For the 16th consecutive season, the Green Bay Packers and Sargento Foods are teaming up to raise money for families in need. As part of the Touchdowns for Hunger program, every Packers TD this season will score against hunger in the home...
Hunger Task Force Named Top Workplace
Hunger Task Force is named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel! See the complete list here.