Hunger Task Force Welcomes Two Summer Meals Interns
The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. As an anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force commits to hiring team members with an array of skills and talents and the cultural competence to best serve our diverse community. Hunger Task Force is excited to welcome two summer meals interns – Nina and Mara– as they assist Hunger Task Force in our mission to end hunger for local kids and teens across Milwaukee County through the Summer Meals Program.
Nina Blade is a recent graduate of Clayton State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on marketing. This is her second summer serving as a Summer Meals Intern. She returned to the role because she had an incredible experience last summer and wants to help Hunger Task Force make a difference for local families and children again this summer. In her role, Nina engages with the community to increase awareness of the Summer Meals program and assists with displaying program signage and serving meals to children.
Mara Matus is a junior at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, where she is studying international business with a minor in Spanish. In her role as Summer Meals Intern, Mara ensures all Milwaukee County Summer Meals locations are running properly and marketing and advertising materials are prominently displayed at every site. She also helps create a welcoming environment for children and families to enjoy a nutritious meal and play educational game to help build community connections. Mara is thrilled to join the team because she believes everyone should have access to a healthy meal.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Kids are more at risk for hunger when school is out and this program provides a crucial link to nutrition normally obtained within schools. The Summer Meal Program allows families to save money on food, ensures children have access to healthy meals and encourages participation in recreational and educational activities.
Serving children is at the heart of what we do at Hunger Task Force. As an organizer of SFSP, Hunger Task Force connects thousands of children 18 and under with meals across the metro region. Hunger Task Force has developed the “Milwaukee Model” – recognizing the many local partners committed to ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer months. As an organizing agency, we connect programs and partners to meal providers, funding opportunities, best practices and remain the leader in anti-hunger advocacy work in Milwaukee.
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.