Hunger Task Force and Hadley Terrace Senior Apartments Have Partnered to Support Milwaukee Seniors with Stockboxes Since 2003

Since 2003, Hunger Task Force has partnered with Hadley Terrace Senior Apartments to ensure low-income seniors in Milwaukee have consistent access to nutritious food. Through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – known locally as Stockbox – Hunger Task Force distributes more than 10,000 boxes of healthy, shelf-stable food to income-eligible adults over age 60 each month at more than 140 sites across Wisconsin.

One of those sites is Hadley Terrace, an affordable housing community for older adults located in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. There, about 30 residents receive a monthly Stockbox filled with nutritious foods such as cereal, milk, canned vegetables and fruit, pasta or rice, canned meats, protein items, juice, and two pounds of fresh Wisconsin cheese.

“It’s been great to see our seniors get their Stockbox each month and use the food to really get by month to month. You can tell they appreciate it,” says Dave Backus, residence and maintenance manager at Hadley Terrace. “Often, Hunger Task Force staff will bring fresh or frozen foods in addition to the Stockboxes, which are very helpful for residents trying to eat well all month long.”

Hadley Terrace service coordinator Liz Luciano agrees. “Our seniors look forward to the items that come in their Stockbox every month,” she says. “Hunger Task Force offering them a program like this shows our residents that their community really cares about them living a healthy lifestyle.”

One of those residents is Sharon Sprewer, who has called Hadley Terrace home for the past decade. Now 75, she’s been receiving a Stockbox for 15 years and has spent the last 10 helping distribute them to her neighbors. “I love helping out and making sure everyone has their Stockbox,” Sharon says. The monthly box helps her stretch her budget for other essentials, and she especially enjoys the canned fruit and juice.

Over the past year, Hadley Terrace staff have observed a growing need among residents. As a HUD housing facility, residents typically spend around 30% of their income on housing costs – including rent, utilities, and water. But with the rising cost of groceries, many seniors are increasingly forced to choose between buying food or paying for other vital needs such as medication and transportation.

“I think a lot of older adults get pushed aside in society,” adds Luciano. “Seniors deserve safe housing, the opportunity to feel that they own their own space in a secure environment, and access to healthy food, no matter what zip code they live in.”

Hadley Terrace serves adults ages 62 and older who meet federal low-income eligibility guidelines. Each of the 60 units offers residents a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, dining and living area, full bathroom, and spacious closets.

To support sites like Hadley Terrace, the Hunger Task Force Senior Services Team works diligently to ensure all allotted Stockboxes are distributed each month. A team member visits regularly to meet with Luciano, attend distributions, and help register eligible seniors.

To learn more about the Senior Stockbox Program, visit www.HungerTaskForce.org/Stockbox.

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.