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.

Each local member of the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin works to serve the specific needs in their community and has developed a comprehensive plan to combat hunger in their region. Together, federation members agree to maintain a healthy, robust network of free and local food banks and pantries focused on collaboration, building capacity, sharing resources, supporting local communities and food systems and advocating for policies to end future hunger in the state of Wisconsin.

HRF Member Benefits:

Peer-to-Peer Network
Capacity building and technical resources
Anti-hunger policy updates
Training opportunities for volunteers, staff and community
Food and fundraising network
Advocacy and outreach resources
Venues to communicate with policymakers
Leadership in strategy and message development
Identification and facilitation of sharing information, resources and best practices
Training in best practices for handling food safely, determining need, providing qualified assistance and preventing future hunger
Optional participation in the Hunger Relief Fund workplace giving campaign

HRF Member Expectations:

Serve the specific needs of your community
Develop a comprehensive plan to combat hunger in your region
Food is provided free of charge – do not charge clients or other organizations a membership or delivery fee
Food is not to be exchanged or bartered – do not require service clientele participation in a program of social work, employment or worship in exchange for food
Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct
Comply with Federal and State Civil Rights compliance requirements
Provide the highest levels of service in all areas to address short and long-term solutions to hunger
Institute and maintain consistent operational practices of accountability for equitable distribution of food resources
Improve food security by referring service clients to existing community services
Support Federal supplemental food programs critical in stabilizing households with persistent food needs

Connecting Wisconsin: Bridging Communities for Collective Growth & Resilience

Hunger Task Force hosted Hunger Relief Federation members for an in-person summit on October 3-4, 2024.

Members from across the state will came together in Stevens Point, WI at the Stevens Point Convention Center for a day and a half of networking, resource sharing, learning and collective growth. This was the first summit since 2019.

Summit Recap and Materials

Brandon Savage

Hunger Relief Federation Manager

Contact Brandon

Mark Lisowski

Hunger Relief Federation Organizer

Contact Mark

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Shalom Center

Shalom Center, a Hunger Relief Federation member dedicated to combating hunger in Kenosha County, serves the community through a long-standing soup kitchen, an emergency food pantry serving thousands and innovative partnerships.

Wrapping Up the 2024 Hunger Relief Federation Summit

At the Hunger Relief Federation Summit, anti-hunger advocates from across Wisconsin came together to learn, share, and support one another. With nearly 30 expert panelists and presenters, the summit provided invaluable insights and fostered collaboration between organizations that often work in isolation. Together, these leaders are implementing new strategies to amplify their missions, serve vulnerable populations, and make a greater impact in their communities.

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Sheboygan County Food Bank

Discover how Hunger Task Force, as the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, supports Sheboygan County Food Bank in its mission to increase food security through partnerships, programs, and healthy emergency food distribution to thousands of families.

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member River Falls Community Food Pantry

River Falls Community Food Pantry, Hunger Relief Federation member, serves nearly 550 families every month through the distribution of 30,000 lbs. of healthy food. When clients walk into the food pantry, it feels as though they are in a grocery store. The panty contains aisles of healthy foods and a wall full of refrigerated and frozen foods. Clients can visit twice per month for groceries. They can also come an additional time each week to shop for produce and extra bread.

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Antigo Community Food Pantry

The Antigo Food Pantry, part of the Hunger Relief Federation, has been aiding Langley County for eight years by distributing nutritious food with dignity to those in need. Focused on balanced nutrition, the pantry follows the USDA MyPlate policy, providing fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy options. In 2024 alone, they have served over 1,181 individuals and welcomed 57 new households.

Hunger Task Force Heads to Washington D.C. for Anti-Hunger Policy Conference

Explore the key takeaways from the Food Research & Action Center’s National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference attended by the Hunger Task Force team. Learn about their insights on SNAP, the Farm Bill, and innovative anti-hunger strategies to ensure meals for all.

Hunger Task Force Helps St. Joseph Food Program and Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank Go the Extra Mile

Capacity is key when it comes to serving the community. Hunger Task Force is pleased to have made it possible for St. Joseph Food Program and Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank to receive a new refrigerated truck to enable both organizations to provide more fresh food to neighbors in need than ever before.

ARPA Support Fuels Growth and Efficiency at Wisconsin Food Pantries

Nestled in the heart of Pepin County, the Durand Area Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for families facing hunger since the 1980s. Led by dedicated administrator Marcia Bauer, the pantry has not only weathered the pandemic storm but also emerged stronger thanks to its membership in the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin and the transformative power of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Unlocking Resources, Preserving Dignity: The Crucial Role of Pantry Intake Conversations

Pantry intake interviews, though potentially uncomfortable, are crucial for understanding client needs and connecting them with vital resources like FoodShare and WIC. Effective intake practices not only alleviate immediate hunger but also empower clients and strengthen pantries in the long run.

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.

We look forward to hearing from you.