Meet Hunger Relief Federation Member Community Center of Hope

Feb 23, 2026

Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, a statewide network of independent food banks and food pantries working together to strengthen hunger relief efforts across Wisconsin. A newer member, Community Center of Hope joined the Federation in 2024 to help strengthen the pantry’s ability to advocate for clients and feed the Mosinee community.

“I think I learn more about the goings on in the hunger relief space from my connections in the Hunger Relief Federation than any other place,” shared Amy Bergstrom, director of Community Center of Hope.

Through the Hunger Relief Federation, Community Center of Hope was connected with funding opportunities to increase the capacity for the food pantry to serve its clients. Through a grant, the pantry purchased shopping carts to make the experience at the pantry feel similarly to one at a grocery store – where clients select the items that meet their taste and dietary preferences and put them in their cart. Additionally, the pantry received shelving to store additional nonperishable food and pantry supplies.  

Community Center of Hope facilitates an average of 500 food requests per month.

“In our community, and many communities, we’re seeing more people seeking food assistance who don’t meet the poverty threshold on paper,” says Amy. “Budgets are really tight right now. A recent guest we served is an individual with a full-time job who just got divorced and is receiving inconsistent child support for her three kids at home. She was behind on bills trying to manage all household expenses. Our pantry helped her stock up on food to feed her family over the Christmas holiday.”

Community Center of Hope is a place of hope. Amy and her volunteer team create a haven for people to get food support, share their stories and feel cared for during times of uncertainty. The pantry is open on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 – 11 a.m. and provides healthy food and hygiene products.

For more information about the Hunger Relief Federation, which connects anti-hunger advocate partners throughout the state to combat hunger region-by-region, visit www.HungerTaskForce.org/federation.

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.