Hunger Task Force Strengthens Fresh Food Access Through Strategic Winter Purchasing

As Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank, Hunger Task Force works year-round to ensure families, children and older adults can access a consistent mix of nutrient-dense food through our network of pantries, shelters and meal programs. While shelf-stable items form the backbone of pantry operations – offering flexibility and reliability – fresh produce is a strategic priority within our food supply. Fresh fruits and vegetables are intentionally sourced for their nutritional value and remain among the most requested and valued items at sites across our network.

During Wisconsin’s growing season, much of that fresh inventory comes directly from the Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin. From late spring through fall, nearly 500,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables are harvested, washed and distributed throughout Milwaukee County. To balance supply and expand variety, Hunger Task Force purchases supplemental produce from small- and mid-sized farms across Wisconsin. This diversified sourcing approach strengthens local agriculture while ensuring our network maintains a well-rounded supply of fresh options throughout the peak growing months.

When harvests at The Farm and other local producers slow, our procurement strategy shifts to maintain a steady supply of produce through our Winter Produce Purchase Program (WPPP). Generous donations and responsible financial stewardship have allowed Hunger Task Force to make fresh winter vegetables a priority. Hunger Task Force sources through V. Marchese Inc., a Milwaukee-based distributor, and coordinates weekly purchasing and distribution to ensure fresh items continue moving through our network without interruption.

By adjusting sourcing throughout the year, we can respond to community demand, reflect cultural food preferences and close seasonal gaps when local growing is not possible. The source may change with the season, but the outcome remains the same: families have consistent access to fresh, nutrient-dense food year-round.

“Once a delivery hits our dock, its allocated and placed on delivery routes the same day,” says Kyle Buehner, Food Procurement Manager at Hunger Task Force. “We’re purchasing with a clear plan for where every case is going, and it’s distributed within the week.” This disciplined purchasing and distribution cycle allows Hunger Task Force to maintain steady access to fresh food, even when it is not being harvested locally.

Purchasing decisions are guided by community demand. Annually, Hunger Task Force surveys our Emergency Food Organization (EFO) partner network to identify the most requested produce items for winter distribution. Those responses now directly inform weekly buying decisions. Each week, four to five items are selected and rotated to ensure variety and nutritional balance.

“We asked our partner pantries what their clients want most in the winter, and that’s what we’re buying,” Kyle explains. “We review each site’s size to build allocations and make sure all network partners can access produce through weekly pick-ups. The goal is equitable access across the network.” The result is a coordinated system that keeps produce moving quickly and efficiently.

Whether grown at the Hunger Task Force Farm or sourced strategically through the WPPP during the winter months, fresh produce remains central to our Free & Local mission. Through careful planning, strong partnerships and disciplined distribution, Hunger Task Force ensures that nutritious options reach our community every week of the year.