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

Mar 22, 2024

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.

Both Hunger Relief Federation members received a refrigerated truck that can transport up to 8,000 lbs. of food per load and includes a lift gate, which makes picking up perishable food items more efficient.

“Our goal is to not just provide food, but provide healthy items that will help people,” said Monica Clare, executive director of St. Joseph Food Program. “This new vehicle enables us to accept even more donations of fresh eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits and meats.”

St. Joseph Food Program, serving the Fox Valley, offers seven fresh food choices per week to about 725 families served each month. Since 2022, the organization has experienced a nearly 40% increase in pantry traffic.

“Before receiving the new vehicle, we could only accept small donations of fresh food items that we could safely transport with cold blankets,” said Tammy Dunn, executive director of Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank. “Having a refrigerated truck not only solves operational roadblocks but enables us to increase the amount of fresh food we offer.”

Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank supports more than 12 area pantries. As the price of food has risen, the need for support from the bank has as well. Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank relies on community donations to provide individuals and families with a 10-14-day supply of food during each pantry visit.

Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank, is committed to helping food pantries in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin provide children, families and seniors with emergency food with dignity.

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization’s core values are Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship. Hunger Task Force feeds people today by providing healthy and culturally appropriate food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force also works to end future hunger by advocating for strong public policies and nutrition programs at the local, state and federal level.