This fall, Hunger Task Force and Johnson Controls, longtime partners in the fight against hunger in Milwaukee, are joining forces to feed the poor through the Food for Families food drive, a Milwaukee holiday staple since 1978.

Shoppers in grocery stores throughout southeastern Wisconsin can make donations of non-perishable food in Hunger Task Force collection barrels located near the checkout aisles. Donations can also be made at Hunger Task Force, 201 S. Hawley Court, off the Hawley Rd. exit on I-94 west of Miller Park.

Hunger Task Force will deliver all Food for Families donations to the poor free of charge through its network of 80 soup kitchens, food pantries and homeless shelters.

“This year, thanks to the leadership of Johnson Controls and their 2,500 employees, Milwaukeeans can fight hunger by filling Food for Families barrels at their local stores with healthy, non-perishable food,” said Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force executive director. “This is an incredibly demanding time of the year for Hunger Task Force—the need for food is uncomfortably high. Your donation will help us meet the need in this city for emergency food. Please be sure to give generously.”

Johnson Controls, sponsor of Food for Families, has a long history of supporting Hunger Task Force, from hosting food drives and fundraisers to volunteering at Hunger Task Force special events. In May 2005, Johnson Controls employees set a Hunger Task Force record by sorting 65,000 pounds of food in a mere three hours!

Food Donations Ensure Milwaukeeans Are Fed Through Winter

Food for Families donations are crucial to ensuring that Hunger Task Force can meet the strong demand for food during the holiday season and beyond. Donations to Food for Families will prevent Hunger Task Force from having to spend additional money on purchasing food in bulk.

Hunger Task Force collection barrels will be located in stores in Milwaukee, Racine, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. All donations made in surrounding communities will benefit food banks in those communities to fight local hunger.

In addition to contributing at area grocery stores or at Hunger Task Force, individuals, businesses and community groups can organize their own Food for Families drives.

Each year more than 500 schools, churches, offices and other groups hold Food for Families drives. A complete information kit, including tips for organizing a successful drive and background information, are available. To obtain through the mail, please call (414) 777-0483.

Since its founding in 1978, Food for Families has collected nearly 9 million pounds of food, growing from just 20,000 pounds in its first year to a record 629,459 pounds in 2003.