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Hunger Task Force News & Features
Michael Zeka Has Proudly Served as the President of the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors For 16 Years
For more than 30% of the time Hunger Task Force has been feeding hungry children, families and seniors, Michael Zeka has served as the president and chairman of the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Michael takes pride in the fact that serving on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors is more than a line on a resume. The board is hands on and provides operational support and serves as a sounding board for leaders within the organization.
The Neighbors’ Place: Hunger Relief Federation Partner Nourishing Our Central Wisconsin Neighbors
The Neighbors’ Place is the largest food pantry in Marathon County, serving over 3,200 families. They provide food with dignity through their innovative Market, a choice pantry that allows guests to select nutritious groceries based on their needs.
Hunger Task Force CEO Sherrie Tussler to Retire After 26 Years of Service
Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank, announces that after 26 years of service CEO Sherrie Tussler will retire in June. Following her retirement, she will step into a part-time role as CEO Emeritus to provide strategic guidance to the organization on an as-needed basis for up to one year.
Rick Lewandowski Has Been Feeding Hungry Seniors for Nearly 20 Years
In 2004, Rick Lewandowski walked through the doors of Hunger Task Force eager to make a difference in his hometown by ensuring hungry seniors received Stockboxes – a box of supplementary food to low-income seniors – every month. Little did he know, nearly 20 years later, he’d still be working every day to improve the lives of Milwaukee’s vulnerable seniors as the organization’s first Senior Services Director.
Partner of the Month: Lamplight Farms | January 2024
Lamplight Farms isn’t just about lighting up your backyard, they’re also dedicated to illuminating the lives of others. As a proud supporter of Hunger Task Force, they contribute both volunteers and financial resources to help fight hunger in their community.
Norm Monsen Connected Wisconsin Farms to Vulnerable Communities through the Dairy Recovery Program
Norm Monsen, Dairy Economic Development Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), is a champion for Wisconsin’s dairy industry and was a critical partner to Hunger Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cultural Foods Coordinator Keeps Pantry Shelves Stocked with Staples for All
When clients walk through the aisles of an emergency food pantry within the Hunger Task Force network, they have a variety of healthy items at their fingertips to bring home to cook healthy, cultural recipes. Pasua Chang, our Cultural Foods Coordinator, is dedicated to bridging the gap between stocking food pantry shelves with healthy food and healthy, cultural food – people crave.
Nominations Open! 2024 School Breakfast Champion
Hunger Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin and No Kid Hungry Wisconsin are partnering this year to collect stories of Breakfast Champions across the state of Wisconsin to celebrate those who are doing all they can to make sure students have healthy meals throughout the day. A champion is anyone who takes action to improve school meals programs and helps kids get the nutrition they need to fuel their learning.
Replacement for FoodShare Benefits
Current FoodShare members who lose food purchased with FoodShare benefits due to a flood, a fire, or other household misfortune – including loss of power – can request the replacement benefits from the State.
WISN 12 Celebrates 70th Anniversary with ’70 Years of Service’ Campaign to Help End Hunger
WISN 12 is honoring its 70th anniversary by launching the ‘70 Years of Service’ campaign, in partnership with Hunger Task Force. Throughout 2024, WISN 12 will highlight a different hunger-related need each month, with a call-to-action to address that need.
Food For Families 2023: Wrapping Up Another Holiday Season of Ending Hunger in Milwaukee
Led by Johnson Controls’ generous sponsorship for the past 18 years, the 2023 Food For Families campaign provided a crucial safety net of healthy emergency food to thousands of local families, children and seniors.
Urgent Action Needed: Ensure WIC Stays Strong for Every Family!
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that provides special supplemental nutrition for mothers, infants and families is in jeopardy of not being fully funded for 2024.
Hunger Task Force distributes Stockboxes to seniors despite winter weather
The snow didn’t stop Hunger Task Force from helping out local seniors this winter. Every month, the Hunger Task Force gives out Stockboxes to provide extra help to those 60 and older.
Winter at The Farm: A Season of Planning and Preparation
As the winter cold envelops the Hunger Task Force Farm, the farm’s essential work continues undeterred in the chilly Wisconsin climate. Behind the scenes, there’s a flurry of activity and thoughtful planning that keeps the farm in full swing, even when the fields lie dormant.
Triple Impact: Hunger Task Force Volunteers Donate Time, Food and Funds for Holiday Food Drive
In our first-ever Volunteer Food Drive, held alongside the crucial Food For Families campaign, volunteers stepped up in a remarkable way by donating both food and money – alongside their usual service –to support Milwaukee families facing hunger.
Wisconsin families have fewer FoodShare benefits than they did a year ago
Last spring, the extra money agencies received during the pandemic went away, reducing how much families receive per month. The extra money went away in February 2023. Time is running out for families to use any additional funds that rolled over.
Volunteer of the Month: Tom Frohna | January 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.
Touchdowns for Hunger Celebrates 21 Years of Tackling Food Insecurity in Wisconsin
Touchdowns for Hunger, the partnership between Hunger Task Force, Sargento Foods and the Green Bay Packers, turned 21 this year! This milestone wasn’t just marked with touchdowns on the field, but also with a heartwarming celebration on Tuesday, December 19, at Hunger Task Force’s West Milwaukee headquarters.
Hunger Task Force helps Indigenous seniors with food insecurity with free ‘Stockbox’ program
Hunger Task Force provides nearly 7,000 seniors, from all backgrounds, with a Stockbox each month in Milwaukee County. Many of those seniors face chronic hunger and food insecurity.
Winter 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 Winter 2023 Newsletter now available online
Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Fall 2023 Newsletter! Read about our bountiful harvest season at The Farm, ways Hunger Task Force is supporting WIC outreach across the state, the Cooking with Culture program, ways YOU can give back this holiday season and much more!
Hunger Task Force brings groceries on wheels to those living in Milwaukee County’s food deserts
The Hunger Task Force Mobile Market, partnering with Piggly Wiggly, was rolling and ready for its monthly stop outside the College Court senior apartments Monday afternoon.
Volunteer of the Month: Gary Sievewright | December 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.
The staggering hunger crisis in America: How you can help struggling food banks this year
Hunger in America is unabating, and in 2023, safety nets meant to catch people at their most vulnerable are seeing spikes in visits compared to last year. Since pandemic-era boosts to government food aid ended earlier this year in many states, families are turning to food banks to close a gap in need that feels like it has no end in sight.
A Recipe for Success: How Food Choices Impact Dignity and Health Outcomes
Vivent Health’s partnership with Hunger Task Force represents a comprehensive approach to health. By addressing not only medical needs but also the fundamental right to access healthy, culturally appropriate foods, they have become a vital resource for the community. Vivent Health’s commitment to choice, dignity, and compassion is a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of Milwaukee families.
Volunteer of the Month: Johnson Controls | November 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.
Drought, Determination, and Dignity: How The Farm Overcame a Dry Season to Feed the Hungry
The 2023 growing season at the Hunger Task Force Farm brought both successes and challenges, highlighting the resilience and determination of the farm staff and the generosity of the community.
Manitowoc Public School Advocates Working to Provide Healthy School Meals for All Students and End Lunch Shaming in the District
Community advocates and members of the Manitowoc Public School District (MPSD) Board of Directors have demanded Superintendent James Feil reverse his decision to opt out of a program which would have provided healthy school meals for all students during the 23/24 school year.
Network Partner Highlight – Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center
Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center, a member of the Hunger Task Force emergency food network, is home to one of the communities’ most well-respected resources for participants in the Women Infants and Children Program (WIC), as well as healthy emergency food and health resources for kids, moms and families.
Student Interns from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Join Forces with Hunger Task Force to Address Local School Meal Needs
Hunger Task Force is proud to announce our inaugural partnership with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee! Together with the Hunger Task Force Child Nutrition Organizer, the students will be working on projects that advance awareness and participation in school meals across local Milwaukee schools.
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 Advocacy, Operations and Development teams. We are thrilled to welcome Gabriella, Sal and Faith to their new roles at Hunger Task Force.
Give the Gift of Healthy Food: Hunger Task Force and Johnson Controls Kick Off Annual “Food For Families” Holiday Drive
The holiday season is a time for joy, gratitude, and giving back to the community. However, for low-income families, the holidays can be especially challenging as they struggle to put food on the table while also trying to make the season special for their loved ones. It’s during these times that the Hunger Task Force “Food For Families” holiday drive becomes not just a tradition, but a lifeline for those in need.
Volunteer of the Month: Old Republic | October 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.
Salvation Army: A Community Champion for Summer Meals in Milwaukee
For Milwaukee, a community where many families are facing financial hardships, organizations like the Salvation Army serve as beacons of hope and service. A dedicated member of the Salvation Army team, Kummardar Brodie stands out as a shining example of unwavering commitment.
Hunger Task Force Fall 2023 Newsletter now available online
Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Fall 2023 Newsletter! Read about our bountiful harvest season at The Farm, ways Hunger Task Force is supporting WIC outreach across the state, the Cooking with Culture program, ways YOU can give back this holiday season and much more!