Advocacy
Advocacy
Hunger Task Force works to end future hunger through advocacy—standing up for those who can’t stand alone. Advocacy is identifying problems and advancing policy solutions through research, public pressure, coalitions and direct lobbying. Advocacy is also identifying and organizing champions to raise their voices to make positive change.
We work with elected officials and government agencies to strengthen and improve programs that feed families in our community, and elevate stories of champions to amplify the impact that policy changes have on hungry families.
— CURRENT ADVOCACY PRIORITY: 2024 FARM BILL —
The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress roughly every five years and most recently in 2018. It is currently operating on a continuing resolution until December 20, 2024. It covers various aspects of agriculture, nutrition, conservation and rural development policies in the United States. It authorizes funding for various federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/FoodShare in Wisconsin), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP/Stockbox in Wisconsin).
Our Story
Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a group of parent advocates to support a school breakfast program in Milwaukee Public Schools. That work continues today and is part of our Mission Statement: “We work to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.”
How We Advocate
One of the most important ways we work to end hunger is working with elected officials, government agencies and citizen advocates to strengthen and improve important food security programs on the national, state and local level. These programs—including the FoodShare program, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), School Meals, Summer Meals and senior nutrition programs—feed families in our community and make sure our champions have the chance to raise their voices to make positive change and end hunger in Wisconsin.
Hunger Relief Federation
The Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries, formed for the express purpose of mutual benefit in matters related to funding, resource sharing and public policy organizing. Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, bringing together free and local partners from across the state. The Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin aims to connect anti-hunger advocate partners throughout the state to engage and expand the Free, Local, Independent model. Learn more.
Join Voices Against Hunger!
Voices Against Hunger is Hunger Task Force’s citizen advocacy group. The goal of Voices Against Hunger is simple: Advocate together to promote social policies to end future hunger. Joining Voices Against Hunger is a quick, impactful way you can influence effective anti-hunger public policy.
CONTACT US
ADVOCACY NEWS & FEATURES:
Hunger Task Force celebrates school nutrition teams during National School Breakfast Week
To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Hunger Task Force and Wisconsin schools are celebrating National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) during March 7-11, 2022. Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for...
Applying for or receiving SNAP does not affect immigration status
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security want to make sure that everyone who qualifies for nutrition assistance gets that...
Voices Against Hunger: Policy District, February 2022 – 001
While the pandemic has been an opportunity for the federal government to expand access to nutrition programs, some state legislatures are looking for ways to limit access to those programs. In early February, the Wisconsin legislature began debate on bills that would...
A Conversation with Matt Stienstra, FoodShare Program Manager
In preparation for relaunching a Voices Against Hunger newsletter, we sat down with Matt Stienstra, FoodShare Program Manager and former Advocacy Campaign Manager at Hunger Task Force. Matt discusses the importance of FoodShare and shares advice for accepting the...
Nutrition Education Team shares favorite holiday recipes
Hunger Task Force operates a robust nutrition education program to educate students, parents, and the public about healthy eating on a budget. We don’t just feed our community—we also educate our students, seniors and families about healthy eating and the Hunger Task...
Hunger Next Door photo exhibit continues tour through Wisconsin communities
Hunger Next Door is a Hunger Task Force photo project that illustrates the reality of hunger in our community. While the project debuted back in 2014, the photo exhibit has been brought to various locations over the last seven years and has been seen by countless...
Student DoorDash Program provides students learning remotely with nutritious home-delivery meal boxes
Before the pandemic, virtual instruction was uncommon at traditional school districts like West Allis-West Milwaukee (WAWM). During the last 20 months, many schools have come to embrace online classrooms as a “new normal” and are now providing full-time virtual...
Stories of Those Who Served: Hunger Task Force Honors Veterans – David McCarter, Client
November 11 is Veterans Day, and Hunger Task Force honors those who are serving, or have served, in the Armed Forces. In line with our core values – Justice, Compassion, Stewardship and Dignity – Hunger Task Force extends our deepest gratitude to clients, staff,...
Q&A with Fue Xiong, FoodShare Supervisor at Alicia’s Place Resource Center
Hunger Task Force provides one-on-one FoodShare (food stamp) assistance to tens of thousands of people. In 2021, Hunger Task Force opened the second FoodShare Resource Center, and the first on Milwaukee’s north side. Named “Alicia’s Place” after one of the first...
Hunger Relief Federation receives support from the Tavern League of Wisconsin
This week, the Hunger Relief Federation received generous support from the Tavern League of Wisconsin (TLW). The league’s $3,185 gift will be used to provide scholarships to Federation members for the 2022 Hunger Relief Federation Conference being planned for next...
‘Summer Meals’ provides 200k+ summertime meals for children in 2021
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...
Anthem Foundation announces $100,000 gift to support Hunger Task Force MyPlate program
As part of their commitment to improving lives and communities through strategic programs, the Anthem Foundation announced a $100,000 gift to support the Hunger Task Force’s MyPlate program. Hunger Task Force’s Sherrie Tussler was joined by Ted Osthelder, President –...
Waukesha School Board Votes To Feed All Students
Schools play a critical role in feeding children. For many students, food they receive at school makes a substantial difference in their ability to learn and safeguards their health. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has historically ensured that...
USDA Modernizes the Thrifty Food Plan, Updates SNAP Benefits
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional...
Summer Meals program feeds youth and connects drivers to community
Arriving in a white transit van adorned with “Salvation Army Feed The Kids” decals, Jamal Turrentine and Isaiah Henderson pull up next to the splash pad at Carver Park in Milwaukee. As the duo exit the vehicle, a modest line begins to form at the back where Turrentine...
Family’s passion for cooking together inspires gift for nutrition education
For Brian McCarty, spending time with his children in the kitchen has always been a treasured tradition. With a focus on mastering the basics, McCarty hoped to model for his children the capacity to transform simple ingredients into delicious yet nutritious meals. His...
Hunger Task Force Receives $500K Capital Campaign Leadership Gift
Hunger Task Force is thrilled to announce a generous $500,000 capital campaign gift from the Brian A. McCarty Family Fund through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to support the development of the new headquarters’ Nutrition Education Kitchen. This humbling gift—an...