Hunger Task Force Launches “Connecting Farms to Families” Program to Address Statewide Hunger

Jan 7, 2026

Hunger Task Force is grateful to be the recipient of a $2.5M grant through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to create the Connecting Farms to Families program. This funding — part of a $10 million investment in Wisconsin’s 2025-27 state budget created by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature — connects local nonprofit food assistance programs with local producers to keep pantry shelves stocked with nutritious and locally produced food.  

Through Connecting Farms to Families, Hunger Task Force will use 100% of grant funds to support hunger relief programs across Wisconsin — uniquely providing all food absolutely free of charge — including food pantries, meal programs, nonprofit organizations, Tribal Nations and members of the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin.

“Hunger Task Force is grateful for the leadership of Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature and their shared commitment to supporting local agriculture and families facing hunger in our state,” said CEO of Hunger Task Force Matt King. “In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Hunger Task Force will use 100 percent of these funds to purchase foods from small and mid-sized Wisconsin farmers and producers and will provide these foods absolutely free of charge to hunger relief programs across the state.” 

Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. The organization provides healthy and nutritious food to hungry children, families and seniors in the community absolutely free of charge. Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a local advocacy group who then formed Milwaukee’s first food bank. Today, Hunger Task Force is 100% supported by the community and provides a safety net of emergency food with dignity to a network of 75 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Through legislative analysis, education and community organizing, Hunger Task Force continues to advocate for anti-hunger policy at the local, state and federal level.