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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
Partner of the Month: SEW-IFMA | September 2024
As Hunger Task Force’s September 2024 Partner of the Month, SEW-IFMA is recognized for their dedicated volunteer efforts and financial support. Their contributions help provide fresh, nutritious produce to families in Milwaukee.
Jason Gottlieb Advances the Hunger Task Force Mission Through Service and Leadership
Jason Gottlieb’s involvement with Hunger Task Force began with an apple harvest, sparking a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. As a board member, volunteer, and advocate, Jason leads with servant leadership, helping to advance strategic initiatives while instilling the values of community service in his family. His dedication extends beyond Hunger Task Force, enriching both the organization and the students he supports at Milwaukee Jewish Day School. Through his advocacy, Jason is helping to feed Milwaukee, one harvest at a time.
NourishMKE food centers offer free, fresh & culturally relevant produce
Hunger Task Force partners with NourishMKE to provide fresh, locally grown produce to Milwaukee’s food pantries. With over 70 varieties of crops grown on a 200-acre farm, this collaboration ensures access to fresh, culturally relevant food for thousands of families, fostering dignity and healthy eating choices.
Barb Holt is a Standout Volunteer Helping End Hunger in Milwaukee
Barb Holt has been a dedicated volunteer at Hunger Task Force for over three decades, contributing her time, energy, and heart to support Milwaukee families in need. Her unwavering commitment to giving back has left a lasting legacy on the thousands we serve, reminding us that volunteers are the heart of our mission.
South Milwaukee Human Concerns is a Lifeline for Families in Need
South Milwaukee Human Concerns, a long-standing partner with Hunger Task Force, provides essential services to nearly one-third of South Milwaukee residents. Learn how their food pantry and holistic approach are building a more resilient community.
Farm Fresh Produce Boosts Local Food Pantry
Discover how the House of Peace food pantry, in partnership with Hunger Task Force, offers fresh produce and staple items to community members in Milwaukee. Learn how this initiative empowers guests with healthy food options and cooking knowledge, improving health outcomes across the neighborhood.
Hunger Task Force Partners with Mount Mary University to Educate About and Enroll College Students in FoodShare
As college campuses reopen, Hunger Task Force is partnering with Mount Mary University to help students access FoodShare benefits. Abigail Sanchez, a FoodShare Advocate, is leading the program by visiting the campus monthly, providing information about FoodShare, and assisting students with applications. This partnership aims to ease financial burdens for students, ensuring they have the support they need.
The Farm’s School Garden Wraps Up a Productive Year
The School Garden at the Hunger Task Force Farm serves as a living classroom where students from local inner-city schools experience the full cycle of food production. Through the Garden-to-Plate program, local kids learned about nutrition and agriculture while harvesting over 583 pounds of produce. This hands-on education cultivated healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Volunteer of the Month: Jay Bubrick | September 2024
Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or group who go above and beyond in their service to the organization. From food sorting and building healthy food boxes for seniors to helping individuals shop the Mobile Market and harvesting at The Farm, volunteers help Hunger Task Force feed people today and support our work in ending future hunger.
Karen Royster Focused on Community Organizing to Grow Hunger Task Force in the 1970s
Karen Royster’s tenure as Executive Director of Hunger Task Force from 1975 to 1980 was a pivotal period in the organization’s history. Her background in community organizing and tenant advocacy prepared her to lead Hunger Task Force through significant growth, laying the foundation for the robust food bank and advocacy organization it is today. Royster’s legacy is a testament to her commitment to addressing both immediate needs and sustainable, long-term solutions to hunger in Milwaukee.
Bryan Bainbridge Proudly Partners with Hunger Task Force to Promote Food Sovereignty and Feed Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryan Bainbridge, CEO of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc., has teamed up with Hunger Task Force to ensure Wisconsin’s tribal nations receive culturally relevant, nutritious food. This partnership not only addresses immediate food needs but also supports long-term food sovereignty, enhancing the health and well-being of tribal communities across the state
Fall 2024 Nutrition Education Quarterly available online
Hunger Task Force doesn’t just feed people in our community – we help along their health journeys, too. Hunger Task Force offers a robust Nutrition Education Program committed to providing useful tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Check out this seasonal edition of our Nutrition Education Quarterly. Explore this seasonal publication for helpful tips on healthy eating, cooking skills, budget-friendly shopping and ways to fit physical activity in your day.
Hunger Task Force and SWSHD Host Family Cooking Class at McCarty Education Kitchen
Hunger Task Force and the Southwest Suburban Health Department (SWSHD) recently hosted a family cooking class at the McCarty Education Kitchen, allowing local families to learn and enjoy healthy recipes together. Participants made pear quesadillas and guacamole while receiving tools and ingredients to recreate the dishes at home.
Employee Volunteers from Rishi Tea Sort More Than 7,000 lbs. of food and Build Nearly 250 Stockboxes
Earlier this week, 100 employees of Rishi Tea spent two hours sorting donated nonperishable food and building Stockboxes in our Volunteer Center. Collectively, they sorted more than 7,000 lbs. of food and built 240 Stockboxes!
NourishMKE and Hunger Task Force Partner to Improve Healthy Food Access at Three Food Centers in Milwaukee
For over 30 years, Hunger Task Force and NourishMKE have collaborated to enhance healthy food access in Milwaukee. NourishMKE, formerly Friedens Community Ministries, distributes over 85% of its shelf staples and nearly 2,000 pounds of fresh produce from Hunger Task Force each year.
Andrew Rossa and Milwaukee Recreation Have Teamed Up with Hunger Task Force to Provide Safe Summer Meals Sites for More than 10 Years
For over a decade, Andrew Rossa and Milwaukee Recreation have partnered with Hunger Task Force to provide safe summer meal sites across Milwaukee County, ensuring thousands of children have access to free, nutritious meals in secure, community-oriented spaces.
Meet the New Faces of Hunger Task Force
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. As an anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force commits to hiring staff with an array of skills, talents and the cultural competence to best serve our diverse community. Hunger Task Force is excited to welcome Carmen and Megan to Hunger Task Force!
Partner of the Month: Piggly Wiggly | August 2024
Celebrate Piggly Wiggly as Hunger Task Force’s August 2024 Partner of the Month! Discover how this long-standing partnership is bringing fresh, healthy food to underserved Milwaukee communities through innovative initiatives like the Mobile Market.
Nutritious and delicious: Hunger Task Force teaches MPS students of color how to eat healthy
Discover how Hunger Task Force’s Cooking with Culture program empowers MPS students of color to embrace healthy eating through hands-on gardening and cooking experiences, while celebrating diverse cultural food traditions.
Affordable Groceries Are No Joke to Jeremy Warwick, Hunger Task Force Mobile Market Driver
Before joining Hunger Task Force nearly seven years ago, Jeremy Warwick dreamed of becoming a stand-up comedian. Now, as the Mobile Market driver, he blends humor with compassion, delivering food to those in need. For six years, Jeremy provided essential groceries to local pantries, senior centers, and shelters.
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member River Falls Community Food Pantry
River Falls Community Food Pantry, Hunger Relief Federation member, serves nearly 550 families every month through the distribution of 30,000 lbs. of healthy food. When clients walk into the food pantry, it feels as though they are in a grocery store. The panty contains aisles of healthy foods and a wall full of refrigerated and frozen foods. Clients can visit twice per month for groceries. They can also come an additional time each week to shop for produce and extra bread.
Why Hunger Task Force Farmer Jordan Leitner Left Legal Services to Become a Farmer
Discover the inspiring journey of Jordan Leitner, a former paralegal turned dedicated farmer at Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin, Wisconsin. Learn how Jordan and a team of nearly 6,000 volunteers cultivate over half a million pounds of fresh produce annually to nourish families in Milwaukee County.
Centers For Independence’s New Commercial Kitchen Strengthens Summer Meals Program
Discover how the Centers for Independence’s renovated kitchen at Concordia 27 enhances Milwaukee’s Summer Meals Program. With increased capacity and state-of-the-art equipment, CFI is set to provide over 270,000 healthy meals to local children this summer, bridging the hunger gap and supporting job training programs.
Artists Wanted! Seeking submissions for 2024 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.
Volunteer of the Month: Angie Sandoval | August 2024
Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or group who go above and beyond in their service to the organization. From food sorting and building healthy food boxes for seniors to helping individuals shop the Mobile Market and harvesting at The Farm, volunteers help Hunger Task Force feed people today and support our work in ending future hunger.
Piggly Wiggly and Hunger Task Force Team Up For $5 Admission to the Wisconsin State Fair
Piggly Wiggly and Hunger Task Force are excited to kick off the Wisconsin State Fair on Thursday, August 1, with Piggly Wiggly $5 Day during which fair goers can get in for just $5 when they donate two cans of healthy vegetables and fruits or make a cash donation to Hunger Task Force between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at any festival gate.
Jonathan Hansen Has Grown from Grants & Development Officer to Hunger Task Force’s Chief Strategy Officer
Jonathan Hansen began his career at Hunger Task Force as a Grants & Development Officer. Promoted to Director of Development, he took on responsibilities in fundraising, marketing, and community events, and played a pivotal role in a multi-million-dollar campaign to secure the organization’s headquarters. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer, Jonathan oversees strategic planning, financial development, and programmatic activities, driving the mission to end hunger.
Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy Serves as the Executive Director of the Hmong American Friendship Association
For nearly 30 years, Hunger Task Force and the Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA) have fought hunger in Milwaukee. Executive Director Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy expresses deep gratitude for the food provided through this partnership, helping to meet the dietary needs of Southeast Asian, African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic residents.
Partner of the Month: Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association | July 2024
The Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association (MWBA) is a dedicated group working hard to spread the word – and honey! – in southeast Wisconsin. With a focus on advocacy, education, and outreach, the MWBA is making a real difference improving the health of bee populations and the future of honey production. The association’s work with Hunger Task Force is directly contributing to the fight against hunger by providing vital pollination services for fresh produce grown for families in need.
Lauren Hansen Helped Hunger Task Force Become the First MyPlate Focused Food Bank as Former Nutrition Educator
Lauren Hansen’s passion for food and working with kids led her to join Hunger Task Force as a nutrition educator. She expanded the supply of fruits and vegetables in government programs and pioneered MyPlate-focused initiatives. Lauren’s interactive lessons taught low-income students about healthy eating, food origins, and cooking with fresh produce.
Jerry Pipp Ensures Free Delivery of Food to our Network as Operations Manager
For nearly 11 years, Jerry Pipp has managed our team of drivers and warehouse staff, expanding our warehouse space and improving food variety. Jerry ensures timely deliveries to 65 local pantries, meal providers, and shelters, fostering strong community relationships. His hands-on leadership and commitment to fighting hunger make him an invaluable part of the Hunger Task Force team.
Milwaukee County’s low-income seniors may struggle to afford fresh produce. But this program is a big help..
Hunger Task Force wants to make sure Milwaukee County seniors have fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps provide access to healthy fresh produce. The local food bank is providing $45 vouchers to low-income seniors, which can be used to buy produce at participating farmers markets, roadside produce stands and community-supported agriculture programs.
Hunger Task Force Welcomes Three Summer Interns
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. As an anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force commits to hiring staff with an array of skills, talents and the cultural competence to best serve our diverse community. Hunger Task Force is excited to welcome three summer interns – Nina, Nadia and Ashlyn – as they assist Hunger Task Force in our mission to end hunger in Milwaukee.
Sally Callan Enhanced Nutritious Options for Families Through Her Work on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors
For over three decades, Sally Callan served on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Joining the board in 1977, she witnessed the organization’s evolution from grassroots advocacy to Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. As a nutritionist for the WIC program, Sally championed initiatives ensuring high-quality food distribution, significantly impacting health outcomes. Her commitment to education, community collaboration, and equitable service continues to inspire and drive Hunger Task Force’s mission today.
Jon “White Feather” Greendeer Champions “Food is Our Medicine” Mission for Ho-Chunk Nation
Jon “White Feather” Greendeer, President of the Ho-Chunk Nation, champions indigenous food systems, stating, “In our culture, our food is our medicine.” His initiatives have fostered local tribal growers and strengthened partnerships like that with Hunger Task Force, enhancing food security and preserving cultural heritage amidst challenges faced by rural communities.