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Millwaukee (October 9, 2009) — Hunger Task Force, Inc. announced today that it experienced record demand for charitable food at Milwaukee-area emergency food pantries as it closed its federal contracts.

With more than 478,500 standing in line at Milwaukee area pantries, Hunger Task Force has done everything it can to keep the pace.

Sherrie Tussler, executive director of Hunger Task force said, “Our food bank distributed a record breaking 9.5 million pounds of food to local charities to assure that the recently unemployed, seniors and children would not go without.”

Demand has increased 27 percent and is attributable to increases in unemployment, problems with the state administered FoodShare program and a childhood poverty rate that brings shame to the city.

Hunger Task Force works to assure that Milwaukee’s safety net is intact by providing free food to local shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens and remains available to help feed the need of the community.

Tussler reported, “We are happy that volunteers and donors supported our mission this past year and helped us meet this need. Now we call on them to renew their commitment as fall turns to winter and the holiday season unfolds.”

Lines in front of the welfare office string around the corner with new applicants seeking assistance. People are reminded to call 211 if they are skipping meals or unable to feed their children.

Hunger Task Force is an anti-hunger organization which believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. Hunger Task Force works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing free food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve food security tomorrow.

Visuals: Shots of Hunger Task Force warehouse, donated food, tours available.

Interviews: Available by request, contact Dana Hartenstein at (414) 588-1131.