For all media inquiries, please contact Kate Kazan, Communications & PR Manager.

Kate Kazan

Communications & PR Manager

[email protected]

t:414.238.6461 | m:414.588.5416

RECENT NEWS

Proposed federal budget cuts threaten the future of food aid. What does this mean for Milwaukee?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to low-income families, stands to lose billions of dollars if a federal budget proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives is adopted. Wisconsin’s FoodShare program allows low-income residents to buy healthy food.

USDA cuts impact Mequon farmer, low income families

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that $1 billion in funding for local programs has been canceled. These programs exist and impact people here in Wisconsin.

Hunger Task Force’s new Southside Community Resource Center allows more families to be served

Hunger Task Force moved its Southside Community Resource Center from 723 W. Historic Mitchell St. down about one block to a newly renovated, larger space at 802 W. Historic Mitchell St. in March 2025.

Hunger Task Force 2024 Annual Report

Explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force 2024 Annual Report! Hunger Task Force is on a mission. We feed people today and we end hunger tomorrow. Learn more about our 50 years of service, our ongoing programs and some of the biggest wins from 2024 in our Annual Report!

Creating a Culture of Courage: Jess Pontious of Hunger Task Force On How Authenticity Benefits People and Profits in the Workplace

With over 15 years of leadership experience spanning the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Jess Pontious is a results-oriented executive dedicated to fostering a culture of courage and authenticity in the workplace. Serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Hunger Task Force, she combines strategic acumen with a deep commitment to mission-driven leadership.

Hunger Task Force nears opening of $2.6M center on Milwaukee’s south side

Hunger Task Force Inc.’s Southside Community Resource Center is expected to open in March at 802 W. Historic Mitchell Street. The facility will serve as a permanent south side location for the organization’s FoodShare outreach program.

Hunger Task Force distributes 1,500 holiday hams to local partners for families in need

In an act of generosity, Hunger Task Force distributed 1,500 hams to its emergency food network just in time for the holidays. In West Milwaukee Friday, Dec. 20, Hunger Task Force’s 65 network partners picked up free hams, which will then go to local seniors and families facing the greatest need.

Hunger Task Force Mobile Market Brings the Grocery Store to the Customer

The Mobile Market makes stops throughout Milwaukee County year-round to offer groceries at a significant discount to ensure affordability. It started in 2016 as a response to a lack of access to healthy food throughout several areas of Milwaukee.

Home 4 the Holidays: Join the fight against hunger in our community

Hunger Task Force is proud to partner with TMJ4 and Raymond James for the Home for the Holidays food drive. It’s a way you can help stop hunger right here in our community.

Winter 2025 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!