Hunger Task Force Q&A with Fue Xiong about how we serve the AAPI community

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed in May to honor the achievements, culture and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. Hunger Task Force is proud to connect many of our AAPI neighbors with FoodShare to make healthy eating more attainable. We sat down with Fue Xiong, associate community engagement and outreach manager at Hunger Task Force, to discuss this important work.

Q: Through your work managing our team of dedicated FoodShare advocates, how do you improve the lives of members of our AAPI community in need of food support?

A: We address barriers to accessing FoodShare. Our team members are multi-lingual and extremely culturally competent. FoodShare Advocates at our northside location – Alicia’s Place – speak Hmong, Lao, Thai and Karen and an advocate at our southside location – Southside Community Resource Center – speaks Burmese. Our team members also have a deep understanding of the unique challenges the AAPI community faces because many of them have experienced the barriers themselves.

Q: Why do you think it’s beneficial to have our northside resource center located at Midtown Center?

A: It’s very beneficial because many Asian Americans live in that neighborhood and can easily access our resource center using public transportation. We offer FoodShare assistance without an appointment so clients can come at the time that works best for them. If they can’t come in, they can give us a call at their convenience and we’ll provide culturally competent assistance over the phone.  

Q: How is Hunger Task Force getting the word out that we can help people apply for and maintain their FoodShare benefits in their native language?

A: When the Midtown location first opened four years ago, we did a lot of advertising to promote the location. Today, so many people hear about us through word of mouth. This shows that we’re providing excellent customer service and our ability to help people in their native language is appreciated, sucessful and well utilized.

Q: As a proud member of the AAPI community, what does it mean to be able to serve your community?

A: Throughout my 17-year career at Hunger Task Force, I’ve remained committed to ensuring I make life a little easier for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable populations and help them access the healthy food they deserve. My community commitment was recognized with the Bridging the Gap Award at the 2025 Hmong New Year Celebration. There are my people with limited English proficiency who would not be able to feed themselves and their families and navigate the FoodShare system if it weren’t for me, and the entirety of our FoodShare team, walking them through the process step-by-step in their native language. I am really proud to make a difference in my community and help make eating healthy every day possible for more AAPI families like mine.

For more information about FoodShare, please click HERE.

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.