Sarah Bressler is Growing Fresh Solutions to Feed Milwaukee Families in Need at The Farm

Nov 11, 2024

Sarah Bressler, Farm Director at the Hunger Task Force Farm, has spent nearly two decades working in Wisconsin agriculture. After running her own mushroom farm, Sarah began farming at Hunger Task Force. She is driven by her community ties and desire to make a difference.

The Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce that acts as a lifeline for the community. During the growing seasons, it harvests over half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-rounded selection of nutritious and culturally familiar food for children, families and seniors in need thanks to the support of nearly 6,000 community volunteers. The farm grows 70 varieties of 28 crops, to provide a well-rounded selection that caters to the specific needs and preferences of Milwaukee’s diverse community. Sarah emphasizes, “We believe everyone deserves access to culturally familiar foods, and we strive to bring that to the table.”

Sarah is particularly proud of Hunger Task Force’s commitment to growing high-quality, culturally familiar produce that addresses the needs of pantries and meal programs within its network. The Farm continuously partners with local organizations to survey and stay attuned to the culturally relevant foods requested by community members served at pantries. This responsive and innovative approach ensures that the options provided are nutrient-dense and familiar to the families receiving food.

Sarah and her team prioritize responsible land management and incorporate practices that protect soil health and promote biodiversity. “Caring for the land goes hand-in-hand with caring for our community,” she affirms.

As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sarah is dedicated to breaking barriers – nearly half of The Farm team is women. “I think it’s important as women in agriculture to encourage and empower the next generation of female farmers,” Sarah stresses.

By cultivating both crops and relationships, Sarah addresses immediate hunger needs while advocating for a more equitable food system in Milwaukee. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that food justice goes beyond simply providing meals – it involves understanding and fulfilling the diverse needs of the Milwaukee community.

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