Hunger Task Force Farm keeps families fed despite federal funding cuts
By: Mallory Anderson, WISN 12
FRANKLIN, Wis. — The Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin is kicking off their growing season, determined to help those in need despite federal funding cuts against food programs.
In a quiet, rural part of Franklin, Wisconsin lies 200 acres dedicated to feeding southeast Wisconsin’s most vulnerable.
“We’re here at the Hunger Task Force Farm,” said Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force. “This is our largest source of fresh produce. It’s a response to a challenge that food banks around the country have, which is reliable access to substantial volumes of fresh produce. It’s part of our commitment to the dignity of the people that we serve, to make sure that there’s healthy, fresh foods available when people are in need.”
May is the start of the growing season for the farm’s 20 crops in 50 different varieties, providing fresh produce for food bank visitors and other aid programs.
King says in the last year, Hunger Task Force has seen a 35% increase in people requesting their help.
“Right now, prices of groceries are so high and in particular, fresh produce, which means that people who are living on the edge of poverty don’t really have that luxury to be able to afford some of the healthy foods,” King said. “People are really appreciative to be able to receive produce from the farm.”
While the need is growing — funding is dwindling.
Over the last few months the Trump Administration has cut $600,000 dollars worth of federal funds meant for Hunger Task Force.
“With the recent cuts from government commodity programs that we’ve seen, the farm is more important than ever,” said King. “Having this local source, fresh produce that, is reliable, is a huge asset to the work that we do.”
The Hunger Task Force Farm makes sure people have fresh produce throughout the year, even during harsh and long Wisconsin winters. Massive hoop houses on the property can grow produce, even in the frigid cold.
“These are our hoop houses and they give us season extension so we’re able to grow winter greens in here during those really cold winter months,” said Sarah Bressler, farm director. We’ll have a couple feet of snow or a foot of snow outside, and then we’re in t-shirts with the sunshine inside the hoop house because it’s like 80 degrees.”
The year-round supply of food is thanks to thousands of volunteers working in the dirt.
“Last week we were planting cabbage, and at the end of the shift, I turn around and said, ‘Holy cow! We just planted a whole field of cabbage, this is great,” said Karin Awve, a volunteer at the Hunger Task Force Farm. “I think once you come and experience it, get a little dirty, maybe get a little sore the first couple of times, you’ll want to come back.”
“It’s wonderful to have many hands in the soil, working together to meet the need of our community and getting fresh produce out to them,” said Stephen Poquette, Hunger Task Force volunteer coordinator.
That group effort, keeps stomachs and hearts full across Milwaukee County.
Both individuals and groups can sign up to work volunteer shifts on the farm. For more details on how to get involved, click here.
If you’re in need of help with food, click here for more information.