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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
Widespread Panic Giveaway
The Milwaukee community and Hunger Task Force will miss Widespread Panic rolling through the Riverside Theater this fall. But in the spirit of the band’s annual October concerts, Widespread Panic, the Pabst Theater Group and Hunger Task Force are teaming up to offer a special free giveaway to any fan who wants to enter.
Matt DeCamp and American Rock Band Widespread Panic Have Supported Hunger Task Force For 11 Years
Widespread Panic has supported Hunger Task Force for 11 years, raising $40,000 through their Feeding People Through Music initiative. Senior Project Manager Matt DeCamp helps lead the band’s efforts to fight hunger in Milwaukee.
Hunger Task Force and Siggenaek Center Food Pantry Work Together to Feed Hungry Families in the Historic Mitchell Street Neighborhood
Hunger Task Force and Siggenauk Center Food Pantry have partnered for 28 years to fight food insecurity in Milwaukee’s Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood, serving over 8,500 people annually with culturally relevant, nutritious food.
Hunger Task Force Welcomes Kim Muench as Development Director
Hunger Task Force welcomes Kim Muench as our new Development Director. With nearly 17 years of fundraising experience at Alverno College and Saint Jude the Apostle, Kim is no stranger to Milwaukee. She’s ready to lead our donor relations, partnerships, and events with her passion for making a difference in our community.
Wrapping Up the 2024 Hunger Relief Federation Summit
At the Hunger Relief Federation Summit, anti-hunger advocates from across Wisconsin came together to learn, share, and support one another. With nearly 30 expert panelists and presenters, the summit provided invaluable insights and fostered collaboration between organizations that often work in isolation. Together, these leaders are implementing new strategies to amplify their missions, serve vulnerable populations, and make a greater impact in their communities.
Dan Sidner Has Supported Hunger Task Force through Black Shoe Hospitality for More than 17 Years
Dan Sidner, co-owner of Black Shoe Hospitality, has supported Hunger Task Force for over 17 years. Through the annual Kentucky Derby Party and his role on the Executive Council, Dan leverages his restaurant expertise to help provide healthy food to Milwaukee’s families in need.
Volunteer of the Month: Karin Awve | October 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.
Mardi Smirl Helps the Community Give Back and Provides Ways to Support Our Mission
Meet Mardi Smirl, Hunger Task Force’s Community Relations Manager. With over 4.5 years at Hunger Task Force and nearly a decade of member engagement experience, Mardi is ready to build strong corporate partnerships and lead food drives like Food For Families to fight hunger in Milwaukee.
Hunger Task Force Teams Up with Sargento Cheese and the Milwaukee Brewers to Feed Families
The Milwaukee Brewers ™ and Sargento Cheese teamed up to support hungry families in Milwaukee. Every time the Milwaukee Brewers ™ hit a double during the regular season, Sargento donated $200 to Hunger Task Force.
Menickalay Smith Uses Her Social Work Degree to Change the Lives of Low-Income Residents in Milwaukee
Menickalay Smith, a FoodShare Advocate at Alicia’s Place Resource Center, is dedicated to helping Milwaukee residents apply for and maintain FoodShare benefits.
Ben Lorber and the team at WISN 12 Help Provide Food For Families During the Holidays
Spearheaded by WISN 12, in partnership with Hunger Task Force, Food For Families is a community-driven fundraiser that raises critical funds to provide festive meals to families in need.
Hunger Task Force Fall 2024 Newsletter now available online
Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Summer 2024 Newsletter! Learn more about Summer Meals for kids and see the “Milwaukee Model” in action, explore The Farm from above and join us in welcoming Matt King as the new CEO.
Hunger Task Force is Here to Help You Apply For and Maintain Your FoodShare Benefits in Spanish
At Hunger Task Force, our talented team of bilingual FoodShare Advocates provide one-on-one support for individuals and families seeking to apply for FoodShare and maintain their benefits. At our Resource Center on Milwaukee’s Southside, several advocates, including Margarita and Armando, are waiting to assist you in Spanish and provide tips for using FoodShare benefits.
Nearly 400,000 Summertime Meals Served to Local Kids in 2024
In 2024, Hunger Task Force helped serve nearly 400,000 meals to kids through the USDA’s Summer Meals Program. By expanding non-congregate takeaway options, the program reached children in need across Milwaukee and rural Wisconsin, ensuring no child went hungry during the summer.
Kohl’s Employees Give Back Through Volunteer Hours
Hunger Task Force is proud to partner with Kohl’s, whose employees recently contributed 231 hours of service to our food bank and Farm. Kohl’s amplifies this impact by matching every hour volunteered with a financial gift, helping us provide healthy food to families and seniors in need.
Heidi Chada Is a Hunger Hero Working to Feed Low-Income Kids For 18 Summers and Counting
For 18 summers, Heidi Chada and Centers for Independence have partnered with Hunger Task Force to provide healthy, free meals to low-income children across Milwaukee through the Summer Food Service Program.
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Sheboygan County Food Bank
Discover how Hunger Task Force, as the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, supports Sheboygan County Food Bank in its mission to increase food security through partnerships, programs, and healthy emergency food distribution to thousands of families.
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.