Our Food Bank
Hunger Task Force provides a safety net of emergency food to a network of local food pantries, shelters and meal programs. We are the only food bank in Milwaukee that does not charge for food, delivery or network membership. Hunger Task Force ensures a healthy and nutritious supply of food within a network of nearly 200 access points for hungry children, families and seniors in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal funded food program, administered through the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Hunger Task Force is a recipient of this program and distributes TEFAP foods. Hunger Task Force combines government commodities, food collected from local food drives, purchased emergency food and fresh fruits and vegetables from the Hunger Task Force Farm to supply this network with breakfasts, lunches and dinners based on family household size and dietary needs.
Families can receive emergency food with dignity, on the day they need it and in the
Standards of Excellence
Hunger Task Force is committed to carrying out our mission with the best quality of service to those in need. Simply put, we set the bar for excellence high. Just as we work hard every day to supply emergency food providers with the food necessary to feed the hungry, we require these organizations to commit to our Standards of Excellence.
The Standards of Excellence are a set of rules and “best practices” that ensure that pantries, meal programs and homeless shelters serve all people with equality, dignity and respect. They also ensure that food is handled and stored properly in clean, safe facilities. We work closely with our network partners to achieve the Standards of Excellence, and, together, we provide service that is second to none in our community.
Hunger Task Force MyPlate
The Hunger Task Force MyPlate is a healthy model that showcases the five main food groups as presented on a plate – protein, fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy.
MyPlate encourages people to eat healthy foods by choosing the right types and amounts of foods to eat – assuring that vulnerable children, families and seniors who rely on food from the pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters receive nutritious foods. Learn more.
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FOOD BANK NEWS & FEATURES:
Hunger Task Force and Autumn West Safe Haven Work Together to Feed Milwaukee’s Most Vulnerable Unhoused Community Members
Hunger Task Force and Autumn West Safe Haven have been working together to combat food insecurity for those who are unhoused and living with a mental illness by providing healthy meals daily in a stable, transitional living environment. Autumn West Safe Haven, a...
South Milwaukee Human Concerns and Hunger Task Force Work Together to Bring Aid to the Community this Holiday Season
By: Elizabeth Lintonen, Shepherd ExpressThe South Milwauke community organization provides services that include a food-pantry, clothing, school supplies, a Christmas gift program for children, and more. With the holidays rapidly approaching, resources for community...
Julia Means Ends Hunger and Improves Health Outcomes in Milwaukee Through Community Nursing
Julia Means’ career as a caregiver began in 1974 as an intensive care and cardiac nurse. A Milwaukee native, Julia earned her associate degree from MATC and her bachelor’s degree from Marian University. She also received a Parish Nursing Certification from Marquette...
Shirl Gordon Remembered for Her Dedication to Feeding and Sheltering Individuals in Need
Shirl Gordon was a fierce advocate for the hungry and homeless in Milwaukee, dedicating her life to feeding and sheltering those in need. As a Site Developer at Hunger Task Force, Shirl was instrumental in building and supporting our network of food pantries, meal...
Milwaukee Marine Veteran still looks to serve his community by fighting hunger
By: Brendyn Jones, TMJ4 | WTMJ-TV MilwaukeeSal Gonzalez works as a route representative for Hunger Task Force, spending his days bringing food to pantries around Milwaukee. He says it's his way to continue to help. Sal Gonzalez's days usually start the same way: by...
Center for Veterans Issues and Hunger Task Force Partner to Provide Free and Healthy Meals to Hundreds of Unhoused Veterans
For more than 23 years, Hunger Task Force and Dr. Berdie Cowser, Vice President of Housing and Development at Center for Veterans Issues (CVI), have worked together to ensure local unhoused veterans have access to free and healthy food. In 2023, CVI used free and...
Strengthening Nutrition Security: Hunger Task Force Community Dietitian’s Insights from FNCE 2024
Written by Pasua Chang, MS, RDN, Community Dietitian at Hunger Task Force. --------------------------------------------- This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, MN. As the Community...
Hunger Task Force and Siggenaek Center Food Pantry Work Together to Feed Hungry Families in the Historic Mitchell Street Neighborhood
For 28 years, Hunger Task Force and Siggenauk Center Food Pantry have been working together to combat food insecurity in the Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood. Over the last year, the food pantry has served more than 8,500 people and provided an average of nearly...
NourishMKE food centers offer free, fresh & culturally relevant produce
By: Lori Fredrich, OnMilwaukeeFresh produce is the first item to be sacrificed when times are tight and prices are high. Hunger Task Force & NourishMKE are working to mitigate this important issue. As summer produce reaches its peak, the 200-acre Hunger Task Force...
South Milwaukee Human Concerns is a Lifeline for Families in Need
Now in its 51st year of essential service to the community that bears its name, South Milwaukee Human Concerns (SMHC) is a decades-long and steadfast partner with Hunger Task Force. Serving nearly one-third of South Milwaukee residents each year, SMHC prioritizes...
Farm Fresh Produce Boosts Local Food Pantry
By: Sophie Bolich, Urban MilwaukeeOn a recent Friday morning at the House of Peace, community members stopped by to visit the on-site food pantry. Some paused to chat with Site Manager Linda Barnes, while others explored the center’s various resources. Regardless,...
NourishMKE and Hunger Task Force Partner to Improve Healthy Food Access at Three Food Centers in Milwaukee
For more than 30 years, Hunger Task Force and NourishMKE (formerly Friedens Community Ministries) have been working together to improve access to healthy food for low-income children, families and seniors throughout Milwaukee. More than 85% of the shelf staples...
Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy Serves as the Executive Director of the Hmong American Friendship Association
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
Bay View Community Center Food Pantry Expands Fresh Offerings Through Gardening
The Bay View Community Center (BVCC) Food Pantry, a long-time partner of the Hunger Task Force, serves over 300 households each month. While the gardens at BVCC are a recent addition, offering fresh food has always been a priority for the center’s food pantry....
Michael Jonas Has Overseen Food Bank Operations for 15 Years
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
Helping Community Food Pantry and Hunger Task Force Improve Community Nutrition in Milwaukee’s Harambee Neighborhood
For more than 25 years, Hunger Task Force and Helping Community Food Pantry have been working together to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. A majority of the fresh, frozen and nonperishable healthy food available to clients is provided by...
Hunger Task Force and Palermo’s Pizza Distribute 600 “Easter Baskets for the Hungry” to Local Families in Need
Now in its 16th year, Palermo's and Hunger Task Force partnered to host "Easter Baskets for the Hungry." The annual event provides an Easter meal and other nutritious food to families and seniors in our community. This year, the program holds particular significance,...
Hunger Task Force and Salvation Army Oak Creek Partner to Provide Nutritious Foods to Residents in Milwaukee’s Southern Suburbs
For more than 21 years, Hunger Task Force and Oak Creek Salvation Army have been working together to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee’s southern suburbs of Oak Creek, Greendale, Greenfield, Franklin and Hales Corners. In fact, nearly 50% of the food on pantry...
Jim Luther New Hope Center Food Pantry and Hunger Task Force Partner to Increase Access to Culturally Relevant Food in Milwaukee
Jim Luther New Hope Center Food Pantry, a member of Hunger Task Force’s pantry network, has experienced a nearly 50% increase in traffic since September 2023. To help the pantry properly serve Milwaukee residents in need, Hunger Task Force provides culturally relevant...
Buy-A-Bag Program Makes a Difference: Outpost Donates Over 80,000 Pounds of Non-Perishables and Produce
Hunger Task Force is thrilled to announce a recent generous donation from Outpost Natural Foods Co-op through their Buy-A-Bag program! This incredible contribution of 80,420 pounds of food will help nourish countless families facing hunger in our community. We extend...
Valery Buechner Helped Hunger Task Force Become a TEFAP Administrator
Hunger Task Force became a leader in ending hunger thanks to Valery Buechner. Hunger Task Force is the long-standing, trusted administrator of the USDA commodity foods program – The Emergency Food Assistance Program. In 1998 Valery Buechner held a pivotal role in...
Unlocking Resources, Preserving Dignity: The Crucial Role of Pantry Intake Conversations
The Hunger Relief Federation strives to assist over 130 members in 58 counties across Wisconsin. While we work on many issues affecting communities, primarily in rural and remote spaces, we collaborate on client interviews – a vital first step toward ending hunger in...
Hunger Task Force, Kohl’s Hold Cooking Class to Celebrate the Organization’s $1.5 Million Donation
Kohl’s made a $1.5 million commitment to Hunger Task Force over two years to support the purchase and distribution of healthy foods – in compliance with the USDA’s MyPlate Plan – at our partner network across the greater Milwaukee area in addition to providing kids...
From Pallet to Pantry: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Healthy Food Procurement
To efficiently move all the healthy food from our warehouse and into the hands of children, families and individuals in need, Kyle Buehner is hard at work! As the Food Procurement Manager at Hunger Task Force, Kyle develops and leads a strategic approach to the...
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...
A Recipe for Success: How Food Choices Impact Dignity and Health Outcomes
Vivent Health has been at the forefront of HIV healthcare in Wisconsin for decades, providing critical support and care for those in need. Vivent Health, formerly known as the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, has been a beacon of hope for nearly 40 years for...
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...
Hunger Task Force Supporting More Children and Families Through WIC CIAO Grant
In August, along with Congresswomen Gwen Moore, USDA-FNS Midwest Regional Administrator Vista Fletcher and Wisconsin State WIC Director Kari Malone, Hunger Task Force hosted a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Roundtable Discussion at Ascension Ebenezer Health...
“Meal Mates” Pilot Program Provides Healthy Takeaway Options for Families in Need
For many kids, summertime means food, friends and fun. For families who count on school breakfast and lunch, however, the summer months can be stressful and family food budgets have to be stretched even further. Hunger Task Force is committed – through the Eat Up...
Hunger Task Force Pantry Partner Serves Community with Dignity
Project Concern is a community non-profit center serving low-income residents of Milwaukee County. With a mission to “compassionately provide a path to self-sufficiency by providing basic needs such as food, clothing and referrals to additional community resources,”...
Hunger Task Force and Palermo’s Distribute 500 “Easter Baskets for the Hungry” to Local Families in Need
Now in its 15th year, Palermo's and Hunger Task Force have partnered to host "Easter Baskets for the Hungry." Palermo's Easter Baskets for the Hungry is an annual event that provides a hot Easter meal and other food to families and seniors in our community. "Over the...
Hunger Task Force Receives $750,000 Donation from Kohl’s to Help Reduce Food Insecurity in Milwaukee
Many families and seniors will need additional help with food as extra COVID FoodSharepayments end and inflation continues On Tuesday, February 8, Kohl's announced it is continuing its 14-year support and partnership with Hunger Task Force with a $750,000 donation to...
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. On Friday, January 13, 2023, the Wisconsin...
Local Pantry Partner Reflects on Return to Indoor Service
Located in the lower level of Hope House of Milwaukee, Friedens Food Pantries is an emergency food pantry serving Milwaukee's south side. The site has been a member of the Hunger Task Force emergency food pantry network for over a decade. Friedens Food Pantry at Hope...
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...
Pantry returns to indoor service, allowing clients to select their own food with dignity
One God Ministry is a global church committed to “extending benevolence to those in need around the world.” A member of the Hunger Task Force network since 2018, the One God Ministry food pantry is a beacon of hope and dignity for clients it serves. When One God...
Palermo’s Pizza and Hunger Task Force Host “Easter Baskets for the Hungry”
Palermo’s Pizza again partnered with Hunger Task Force for the annual Easter Baskets for the Hungry program. The partnership helps those in need by providing special holiday boxes for local families. Palermo’s employees volunteered over two days to both fill and help...
Friedens Operations Manager uses past work experience at Hunger Task Force to amplify impact at pantry sites
Located in the lower level of Hope House, an emergency shelter and rehousing facility, the Friedens Community Ministries food pantry aims to end hunger, working to ensure people can access the food they desperately need. Friedens operates a group of food pantries...
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee serves guests with dignity utilizing ‘client choice pantry’ model
Neighborhood House of Milwaukee is an organization that inspires discovery. Founded in 1945 as a place for urban youth, families and seniors, Neighborhood House is a community center serving individuals and families at all stages of life. With an extensive 75-year...
Afghan families receive familiar foods from Hunger Task Force
Original post by Sandra Whitehead | Wisconsin Muslim Journal - January 11, 2022 https://wisconsinmuslimjournal.org/afghan-families-receive-familiar-foods-from-the-hunger-task-force-of-milwaukee/ ------------------------------------------------------------------- When...
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 –...
Hunger Task Force invests in network partners
Hunger Task Force and our network of partner food pantries weave together a safety net of support for local families. For the past 18 months, this network has operated resiliently through curbside, outdoor and no-contact distributions, and will continue to do so into...
Hunger Task Force invests in emergency food network
Hunger Task Force and our network of partner food pantries weave together a safety net of support for local families. For the past 18 months, this network has operated resiliently through curbside, outdoor and no-contact distributions, and will continue to do so into...