Meet our Farm Team Cultivating Crops and Healthy Habits
Spanning 208 acres in Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce and a vital resource for the community. Each growing season, with help from 5,000 volunteers, The Farm produces over half a million pounds of fruits and vegetables, the primary source of fresh produce distributed through our food bank to our network of local pantries, meal programs and shelters across Milwaukee County.
Hunger Task Force also runs a robust nutrition education program to teach students about healthy eating. During the school year, the Child Nutrition Educator visits Milwaukee Public Schools, reaching over 200 low-income students annually. Kids also visit the Farm for hands-on learning in the school garden and demonstration kitchen.
This work is made possible by dedicated farmers, seasonal farm hands and the SNAP-Ed nutrition team, who manage crop production, land stewardship, volunteer engagement and nutrition education.
Sarah Bressler
Farm Director
Sarah leads all aspects of the Hunger Task Force Farm program. As Farm Director, she oversees daily farm operations, staff oversight and leadership, strategic planning and budget management. With a focus on producing high-quality, nutritious food, Sarah drives continuous improvement in farming practices, food safety and overall impact. She plays a key role in engaging volunteers and donors, representing The Farm both internally and externally and cultivating strategic partnerships to advance its mission. Sarah brings 17 years of farming experience to her leadership, guiding The Farm with deep knowledge and commitment to community service.
Adam Romanak
Farm Operations & Natural Areas Manager
Adam oversees the planning and execution of crop production and field operations at The Farm, manages equipment use, maintenance, soil fertility, controlled burns, pest and disease management and supports sustainability initiatives. He leads staff equipment and safety trainings and monitors the health of the natural areas through invasive species control and restoration projects.
Sarah Christman
Farm Produce Manager
Sarah manages key aspects of production, quality control and food safety at the Hunger Task Force Farm, including crop planning, planting, harvesting, inventory tracking and post-harvest handling. She helps maintain food safety and quality standards and provides regular crop updates to Farm and Food Department staff. Sarah also assists with training for Farm Hands and volunteers to ensure an effective experience for all groups working at The Farm.
Melanie Foland
Child Nutrition Educator
Melanie leads the SNAP-Ed Child Nutrition Program at Hunger Task Force, where the Hunger Task Force Farm, Nutrition Education Kitchen and school garden are key components in empowering local students to make informed, healthy food choices through hands-on education about nutrition, gardening and cooking. By partnering with classrooms and schools, she works to integrate nutritious habits into daily routines and inspire lifelong appreciation for fruits, vegetables and overall wellness.
Stephen Poquette
Farm Volunteer Coordinator
Stephen manages the Hunger Task Force Farm’s volunteer program, overseeing the recruitment, training, engagement and coordination of volunteers who support daily farm operations. In addition to leading volunteer efforts, he plays a key role in quality control, weed management and irrigation throughout the growing season. Stephen ensures a safe and educational experience for volunteers and assists with post-harvest activities and overall production. His work helps advance The Farm’s mission and deepen community impact.
Jordan Leitner
Farmer
Jordan supports all aspects of field production, including planting, harvesting, equipment operation, volunteer leadership, weed management and irrigation management. He plays an active role in sustainable agricultural practices, farm planning by tracking operations and implementing practices to improve soil health and increase production.
Polly Muradas
Farmer
Polly leads and supports crop production by planting, harvesting, training and working with volunteers. She trains and engages volunteers through hands-on work in fruit and vegetable production, providing guidance while fostering learning and teamwork in the field. Polly also plays an important role in upholding quality standards for produce and our hoop house production year-round.
Patrice Vitucci
SNAP Educator
Patrice assists the SNAP-Ed Child Nutrition Educator in facilitating the Hunger Task Force Garden to Plate Program, which empowers local students to make informed, healthy food choices through hands-on education about nutrition, gardening and cooking. She maintains the 28 raised garden beds located in the school garden at the Hunger Task Force Farm to ensure students have a meaningful experience learning about where their food comes from.
Laura Witkowski
Farm Hand and Developement Assistant
Laura assists with daily farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, irrigation and volunteer shift management and support while helping to maintain produce quality and food safety standards. She also serves as the SNAP-Ed Farmer and teaches local students how healthy food is produced by planting, growing, harvesting and managing crops alongside them in the student garden. In the off-season, Laura works with the Hunger Task Force Development Team to support stewardship efforts and agency initiatives.
Jeff Cecelia
Beginning Farmer
Jeff supports field operations by planting, harvesting, maintaining irrigation systems and leading volunteer work crews across the Farm’s hoop houses, orchards and fields. Jeff leads specialized work in the Farm’s hatchery and provides volunteer training and engagement across fruit and vegetable production, combining technical expertise with hands-on education at The Farm.
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.