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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
Hunger Task Force prepares families and seniors for the ending of extra FoodShare COVID-19 pandemic payments
Due to federal action, the last extra FoodShare COVID-19 pandemic payment is February 19, 2023. Hunger Task Force will begin preparing families and seniors for the ending of extra FoodShare COVID-19 pandemic benefits.
2022-2023 School Breakfast Challenge
School Breakfast fuels academic success! Kids who eat a healthy school breakfast do better in math, have higher attendance and are more likely to graduate. Make this school year the best one yet. Join the Wisconsin School Breakfast Challenge and see how easy it is to provide a healthy breakfast and a great start for every student!
Winter 2023 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.
Volunteer of the Month: Margo Ford | January 2023
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.
Sargento and Hunger Task Force Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the ‘Touchdowns for Hunger’ Program with Packers Hall of Famer Donald Driver
Since the program’s inception in 2003, Touchdowns For Hunger has raised more than 1.1 million to fight hunger in the Milwaukee community. This year’s event guest of honor featured Packers’ legend Donald Driver. Like Sargento, Donald Driver believes in giving back and through his foundation, he supports causes here in Wisconsin that help people live better lives.
Hungry for the holidays: Inflation driving spike in food insecurity across Wisconsin
Food banks like Hunger Task Force have worked overtime to meet the increasing demand for food. The Hunger Task Force has given more than 10 million pounds to families in need across the state during the calendar year.
Badger Box Program Will Continue
Fighting hunger isn’t a seasonal issue, but this is the time of year that many people pay more attention to food insecurity in our communities. Sherrie Tussler, the Executive Director of Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee shares more about the urban farm they use to produce fresh foods, as well as an update on Badger Boxes, the partnership between Hunger Task Force and Wisconsin farmers that came about during the pandemic.
Food is a Human Right: Hunger Persists in Wisconsin
Hunger persists in Wisconsin. There is an existing solution that can feed people today, tomorrow and next year. The solution is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. SNAP provides low-income households struggling to make ends meet with food buying power each month until they are back on their feet.
Hunger Task Force Unveils Van for Ho-Chunk Nation Health Department
Hunger Task Force unveiled a newly wrapped refrigerated van to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Made possible by a generous donation, the van will be used to support the Tribal Health Department’s Food Sovereignty Program, which teaches tribal members about traditional food sources, preparation and using food as medicine for wellness.
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Burgoon | December 2022
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.
Hunger Task Force Winter 2022 Newsletter now available online
As we wrap up 2022 and look to the new year, explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Winter Newsletter! Read about Hunger Task Force’s recent trip to the White House, our record growing season at the Hunger Task Force Farm, the extension of the Badger Box program, upcoming winter events and much more!
Raymond James, TMJ4 and Hunger Task Force Partner for Annual “Home 4 the Holidays” Campaign
Hunger Task Force is again partnering with Raymond James and TMJ4 to offer an easy way to give back to local families this season – a virtual food drive! The Home 4 the Holidays virtual food drive runs December 1-December 31.
Meet the new faces of Hunger Task Force
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. Hunger Task Force is proud to announce the addition of three new faces to our Hunger Relief Federation, Administration and Development teams. We are thrilled to welcome Mark, Melissa and Will to their new roles at Hunger Task Force.
Local Mother Finds FoodShare is a Blessing During the Holidays
With the holiday season approaching, family gatherings and a shared meal are at the forefront in most households. Nanette shares, “If I didn’t have FoodShare and the occasional help from the pantry, the holidays would be meager. We wouldn’t have much. With the economy how it is now, it’s a blessing to be able to provide a healthy meal for your family.”
Meet the new faces of Hunger Task Force
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. This month, Hunger Task Force is proud to announce the addition of three new faces to our Advocacy, Operations and Hunger Relief Federation teams. We are thrilled to welcome Abigail, Kyle and Brandon to their new roles at Hunger Task Force.
Volunteer of the Month: Harley-Davidson | November 2022
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.
Zurn Elkay to Match All Turkey Donations to Hunger Task Force Throughout November
The Turkey Ticker Challenge is back! All November, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions will be matching all online turkey donations AND frozen turkey donations. It’s never been easier to put a gobbler on a family’s Thanksgiving dinner table.
Hunger Task Force Files Civil Rights Complaint Due to Ill-advised MiLES Closure and Move
The Coggs Center closed its doors without notice to families and individuals receiving or needing services on Monday, October 31. On November 1, 2022, the Coggs Building is set to reopen in a new location across town–eight miles north– at 6055 N. 64th Street, with abysmal access to the building for people using MCTS, disabled or elderly and uninviting prison fencing around the building.
Milwaukee Veteran Encourages Other Seniors to Apply for FoodShare
FoodShare has helped Alan Shepard manage his budget better. With food prices on the rise, increases to rent and the cost of medicines, FoodShare has helped him feel comfortable and not worry about his other expenses. “I’m trying to get better with my nutrition, I’m not getting any younger, so I have to be careful with what I buy. FoodShare helps me buy healthy foods.”
Hunger Task Force Badger Box Program receives $5 Million Investment from Gov. Evers and DATCP
Governor Evers, along with with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), announced today that Hunger Task Force will receive a $5 million investment to continue the work to eliminate food insecurity in rural communities, urban centers, Tribal Nations, and homes across Wisconsin.
Food Is A Human Right, But Too Many In My Community Are Struggling To Buy Food
With food and other prices rising at a rate our country has not seen since the 1970s, it is getting more difficult to “make a way.” In Milwaukee, Hunger is a major issue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, the City of Milwaukee had a poverty rate of 24.6%, ranking it one of the top 50 U.S. cities with people living below the poverty line.
Hunger Task Force Kicks Off Annual Food For Families Holiday Drive
This fall, local families will need the community’s support like never before. With rising food and gas prices, Milwaukee pantry traffic has steadily increased throughout the year to over 31,000 people each month. Hunger Task Force and Johnson Controls are calling on all local businesses, large and small, worship groups, book clubs, neighbors, friends and family to join in on Milwaukee’s tradition of generosity and participate in this year’s Food for Families campaign.
Local Pantry Partner Reflects on Return to Indoor Service
Cheryl Ousley, Site Manager at Friedens Food Pantries is intentional about treating each guest with dignity. Recently, Friedens’ pantry at Hope House of Milwaukee has returned to indoor service and provides the choice model to guests – allowing families who visit the pantry to select foods that are familiar and enjoyed just as they would shop in a grocery store.
Volunteer of the Month: Larry Halter | October 2022
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.
Hunger Task Force Fall 2022 Newsletter now available online
Explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Fall 2022 Newsletter! Read about Hunger Task Force’s efforts to connect eligible families to FoodShare through the Food Is a Human Right campaign, the 20th anniversary milestone of Touchdowns For Hunger, ways to give back this holiday season through Food For Families and much more!
203,752 Summertime Meals Served to Local Kids in 2022
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 Invited to Speak at White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
Hunger Task Force’s executive director, Sherrie Tussler, will speak on a panel during the Biden-Harris Administration’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. and is part of the Administration’s National Strategy that identifies steps the government will take and catalyzes the public and private sectors to address the intersections between food, hunger, nutrition, and health.
Fall 2022 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 the Fall 2022 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 Welcomes USDA Deputy Under Secretary
Hunger Task Force hosted the United States Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean during her two-day visit to Milwaukee on September 12 and 13. During her visit, Deputy Under Secretary Dean toured key Hunger Task Force locations and got a first-hand look USDA-supported Hunger Task Force programs and participated in our senior Stockbox distribution.
Milwaukee Bucks All Star Khris Middleton Tours Hunger Task Force Following Large Food Donation
Milwaukee Bucks All Star forward Khris Middleton and his family foundation toured Hunger Task Force’s new food bank following a large food donation made after the Bucks 2022 playoff run. During the 2022 NBA playoffs, Middleton and his family foundation partnered with Goodles, a California-based company producing high-protein mac & cheese, to direct food donations to organizations fighting hunger.
Volunteer of the Month: Northwestern Mutual | September 2022
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.
Hunger Task Force launches “Food is a Human Right” campaign with mailing to 22,000 Milwaukee County residents
“Food is a Human Right” is an educational campaign aimed at acknowledging that all people should have access to enough food to be healthy. FoodShare is an entitlement program funded 100% by the USDA and provides federal aid to people who have low income and difficulty affording food. Applying for FoodShare has become easier and Hunger Task Force has mailed 22,000 first-class letters to the older adults that can use this federal help.
Meet the new faces of Hunger Task Force
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. This month, Hunger Task Force is proud to announce the addition of three new faces to our Advocacy and Administration teams. We are thrilled to welcome Chelvast, Joe and Qadir.
Artists Wanted! Seeking submissions for 2022 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: Dale Lenderts | August 2022
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.