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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
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.
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Antigo Community Food Pantry
The Antigo Food Pantry, part of the Hunger Relief Federation, has been aiding Langley County for eight years by distributing nutritious food with dignity to those in need. Focused on balanced nutrition, the pantry follows the USDA MyPlate policy, providing fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy options. In 2024 alone, they have served over 1,181 individuals and welcomed 57 new households.
FoodShare Advocates Are Helping College Students Enroll in FoodShare
FoodShare serves as the frontline defense against hunger. At Hunger Task Force, our dedicated team of FoodShare Advocates works tirelessly to enroll eligible individuals in the program at no cost. Our advocates understand the unique challenges faced by these communities and strive to make food security accessible and affordable for all.
Volunteer of the Month: John Bayer | July 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.
Brenna Holly and the team at Johnson Controls Are Key to Combatting Food Insecurity
Brenna Holly, senior director of corporate philanthropy, joined Johnson Controls in 2022. Since she joined the team, the Johnson Controls Foundation, Johnson Controls and its employees have collectively donated nearly $250,000 to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee. In addition, Johnson Controls employees have volunteered over 1,300 hours at Hunger Task Force these last two years.
Hunger Task Force Summer 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.
Food Deserts: Matt King of Hunger Task Force On How They Are Helping To Address The Problem of People Having Limited Access to Healthy & Affordable Food Options
In many parts of the United States, food deserts create significant health and social problems by limiting access to healthy and affordable food. In Medium’s series, “Food Deserts: How We Are Helping To Address The Problem of People Having Limited Access to Healthy & Affordable Food Options,” they talk to leaders like Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force, about their initiatives to combat this crisis.
Gary Sievewright Jumpstarted the Financial Support Hunger Task Force Receives from Raymond James & Associates
Gary Sievewright, the Managing Director for Raymond James & Associates, is a champion of Hunger Task Force. After he was relocated to Milwaukee and later accepted a job with Raymond James & Associates, he played a pivotal role in launching the Home 4 the Holidays campaign with Hunger Task Force and TMJ4.
Bay View Community Center Food Pantry Expands Fresh Offerings Through Gardening
The Bay View Community Center (BVCC) Food Pantry, a long-time partner of the Hunger Task Force, serves over 300 households each month. While the gardens at BVCC are a recent addition, offering fresh food has always been a priority for the center’s food pantry. Fresh produce and herbs from the BVCC gardens are distributed through the food pantry and a roadside stand outside the center.
Sprouting Healthy Habits: Garden-to-Plate Program Nurtures Young Chefs
Summertime is here, and Hunger Task Force is celebrating the incredible success of our Garden-to-Plate program! This year, the program reached 356 students across 14 classrooms in the West Allis-West Milwaukee and Milwaukee Public Schools districts. With a focus on MyPlate lessons and interactive learning, students learned about healthy eating and cooking through classroom visits, kitchen practice, and hands-on gardening.
Margaret Mittelstadt and Outpost Natural Foods’ Commitment to Ending Hunger
Discover how Margaret Mittelstat and Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative are committed to ending hunger in Milwaukee. Through innovative programs and partnerships, they strive to ensure access to healthy food for all residents.
Hunger Task Force Receives $20,650 Donation From Cousins Subs
Cousins Subs generously donated $20,650 through the Block Out Hunger Campaign to Hunger Task Force to help feed children and families experiencing hunger in the Milwaukee Community. Through the campaign, Cousins Subs, through its Make It Better Foundation, donates $50 to Hunger Task Force for every block the Milwaukee Bucks have during the regular season.