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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
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!
Hunger Task Force Hosts Tasting Event to Highlight and Thank Wisconsin’s Dairy Farmers and Cheesemakers
In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotions Board, Hunger Task Force hosted a tasting event with Wisconsin’s Dairy Farmers and Cheesemakers. This event featured the best of Wisconsin’s cheeses and dairy products, including winners from the 2023 Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction at the Wisconsin State Fair.
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 and Senior Services teams. We are thrilled to welcome Leslie, Jeremy and Menickalay to their new roles at Hunger Task Force.
Child Nutrition Organizer Helps Ensure That Every Child in Wisconsin Starts School Ready to Learn
School meals play an important role in helping to ensure that every child in Wisconsin starts school ready to learn. As the Child Nutrition Organizer, Tamira Rasco works to increase participation in federal nutrition programs in our schools through outreach, organizing, education and by eliminating hurdles standing between kids having access to nutritious, free school meals.
Hmong American students find their roots in the School Garden through “Cooking with Culture”
This summer, Hunger Task Force piloted the “Cooking with Culture” initiative, a multi-grade nutrition program that taught students from the Hmong community about healthy eating. Students were introduced to harvesting vegetables from the School Garden and preparing their own meals in the education kitchen.
Fall 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: Dina Karim | September 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.
Hunger Task Force Supporting More Children and Families Through WIC CIAO Grant
Hunger Task Force hosted a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Roundtable Discussion at Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center. The roundtable discussion served as the kick-off to Hunger Task Force’s $220,760 grant to implement a WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project (WIC CIAO).
‘I feel thankful’: Family of seven shares how important free school meals are as kids head back to class
As you can imagine, providing for six children comes with quite the price tag. That’s why the Valentine family benefits from a school program where they’re provided free meals in school. It’s called the Community Eligibility Provision. With resources from the Hunger Task Force, students are able to receive free meals and snacks throughout the day.
Local Seniors Look for Solutions After Badger Box Funding Ends
The Badger Box program – a pandemic-era resource – is ending, leaving thousands of people across Wisconsin looking for new solutions. The Badger Box program started during the pandemic to help Wisconsinites keep food on the table. Earlier this year, the Wisconsin legislature voted down a measure that would add Badger Box funding to the state budget.
“Meal Mates” Pilot Program Provides Healthy Takeaway Options for Families in Need
Prepacked with a mix of MyPlate-friendly food, “Meal Mates” are a supplemental option that have been well received by both Summer Meal sites as well as organizations across the Hunger Task Force emergency food network. Made possible by a Kohls Hometown Partner grant, the Meal Mates pilot program helps to fill gaps where federal funding falls short and meal providers are benefitted by a healthy, on-the-go option.
Volunteer of the Month: Ned Goede | August 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.
Hunger Task Force Receives $100,000 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant, Asks for Local Community Votes for Chance to Double Its Winnings
The Kubota Hometown Proud Grant will help to purchase much-needed equipment for The Farm, specifically a greens harvester to boost distribution capacity of healthy greens by 600%. If awarded the 2023 Community Choice grant, and earning another $100,000, Hunger Task Force will also be able to purchase a corn harvester and produce bin washer, which will allow them to grow more produce and improve their food safety practices.
Harvest Box Program Brings Fresh Wisconsin Produce to Local Seniors
Just one of the many farms growing fresh fruits and vegetables for the Harvest Box, J.L. Produce is a family farm located in Richfield, WI – just 5 miles from Holy Hill. Run by Vang Thao and her husband, this 4.5 acre operation grows dozens of healthy fruits and vegetables typically sold at local farmers’ markets in Waukesha County and northern Illinois.
Artists Wanted! Seeking submissions for 2023 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.
Big Grant to Feed Little Kids: Hunger Task Force Receives WIC CIAO Grant
Thanks to a special WIC Community Innovation and Outreach grant (WIC CIAO, for short) from the USDA through the Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Task Force will be able to focus more resources on making sure our community’s most vulnerable kids have access to healthy food and formula. Hunger Task Force’s project was one of a handful selected nationally to carry out this important outreach.
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, Outreach and Nutrition teams. We are thrilled to welcome Aretha, Maja and Melanie to their new roles at Hunger Task Force.
Volunteer of the Month: Linda Kollatz | July 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.
Hunger Task Force Energizes Fight Against Hunger with Solar Installation
Hunger Task Force is proud to announce the successful installation and connection of their 89-kilowatt solar array. The solar panels, installed by Arch Solar, have transformed Hunger Task Force’s facility into an energy-efficient hub, enabling them to focus more on their mission of ending hunger in the community.
Hunger Task Force Summer 2023 Newsletter now available online
Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Summer 2023 Newsletter! Read about what’s growing at The Farm this summer, the expansion of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, free Summer Meals for local kids and teens, the launch of the Harvest Box and more!
Summer 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.
Meet Up And Eat Up, Milwaukee! 2023 Summer Meals Program Provides Daily Meals to Kids, Teens and Families
Meet Up And Eat Up sites throughout Milwaukee provide structured, educational and recreational programs to ensure kids have nutritious meals and a place to learn and play. All locations with “Meet Up And Eat Up” signs are safe, supervised places for children to receive up to three meals per day!
Block Out Hunger Campaign Leads to $20,150 Gift from Cousins Subs
Wrapping up its eighth season, the Block Out Hunger campaign pledges that for every block the Bucks tally during the regular season, the Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation donates $50 to Hunger Task Force to help fight food insecurity across the state. This season, the Bucks completed 403 blocks for a total of $20,150 donated to Hunger Task Force.
Volunteer of the Month: Baird | June 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.