50 Faces of Ending Hunger
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger.
Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,” honoring the anti-hunger heroes who champion Free & Local and support our mission to end hunger. New faces added each month!
Meet Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy: Executive Director of Pantry Network Partner Hmong American Friendship Association
For nearly 30 years, Hunger Task Force and the Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA) have fought hunger in Milwaukee. Executive Director Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy expresses deep gratitude for the food provided through this partnership, helping to meet the dietary needs of Southeast Asian, African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic residents.
Former Nutrition Educator Lauren Hansen Helped Hunger Task Force Become the First MyPlate Focused Food Bank
Lauren Hansen’s passion for food and working with kids led her to join Hunger Task Force as a nutrition educator. She expanded the supply of fruits and vegetables in government programs and pioneered MyPlate-focused initiatives. Lauren’s interactive lessons taught low-income students about healthy eating, food origins, and cooking with fresh produce.
Operations Manager Jerry Pipp Ensures Free Delivery of Food to our Network for More than 10 Years
For nearly 11 years, Jerry Pipp has managed our team of drivers and warehouse staff, expanding our warehouse space and improving food variety. Jerry ensures timely deliveries to 65 local pantries, meal providers, and shelters, fostering strong community relationships. His hands-on leadership and commitment to fighting hunger make him an invaluable part of the Hunger Task Force team.
Enhancing Dignity and Nutritious Options: Sally Callan’s Legacy on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors
For over three decades, Sally Callan served on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Joining the board in 1977, she witnessed the organization’s evolution from grassroots advocacy to Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. As a nutritionist for the WIC program, Sally championed initiatives ensuring high-quality food distribution, significantly impacting health outcomes. Her commitment to education, community collaboration, and equitable service continues to inspire and drive Hunger Task Force’s mission today.
Jon “White Feather” Greendeer Champions “Food is Our Medicine” Mission for Ho-Chunk Nation
Jon “White Feather” Greendeer, President of the Ho-Chunk Nation, champions indigenous food systems, stating, “In our culture, our food is our medicine.” His initiatives have fostered local tribal growers and strengthened partnerships like that with Hunger Task Force, enhancing food security and preserving cultural heritage amidst challenges faced by rural communities.
Brenna Holly and the team at Johnson Controls Are Key to Combatting Food Insecurity
Brenna Holly, senior director of corporate philanthropy, joined Johnson Controls in 2022. Since she joined the team, the Johnson Controls Foundation, Johnson Controls and its employees have collectively donated nearly $250,000 to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee. In addition, Johnson Controls employees have volunteered over 1,300 hours at Hunger Task Force these last two years.
Gary Sievewright Jumpstarted the Financial Support Hunger Task Force Receives from Raymond James & Associates
Gary Sievewright, the Managing Director for Raymond James & Associates, is a champion of Hunger Task Force. After he was relocated to Milwaukee and later accepted a job with Raymond James & Associates, he played a pivotal role in launching the Home 4 the Holidays campaign with Hunger Task Force and TMJ4.
Margaret Mittelstadt and Outpost Natural Foods’ Commitment to Ending Hunger
Discover how Margaret Mittelstat and Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative are committed to ending hunger in Milwaukee. Through innovative programs and partnerships, they strive to ensure access to healthy food for all residents.
Michael Jonas Has Overseen Food Bank Operations for 15 Years
Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank, ensures nutritious food reaches families and seniors in need. Led by Food Bank Director Michael Jonas, the organization has significantly improved food distribution and service quality over the past 15 years.
Kohl’s Commitment to the Hunger Task Force Mission: Q&A with Tom Kingsbury, CEO
Discover how Kohl’s is making a difference in the fight against hunger through their partnership with Hunger Task Force. Read our Q&A blog with Kohl’s CEO Tom Kingsbury for insights on their longstanding support, mission to end hunger, and how you can get involved.
Celebrating Sherrie Tussler’s 27-Year Legacy of Innovation and Leadership at Hunger Task Force
Discover the incredible legacy of Sherrie Tussler, CEO of Hunger Task Force, as we celebrate her 27 years of innovative leadership and unwavering dedication to fighting hunger in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Explore her transformative impact and enduring commitment to food security
Congresswoman Gwen Moore Transforms Personal Experience with Hunger into Legislative Advocacy
Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s commitment to combating hunger is driven by her own experiences with poverty. Representing Wisconsin’s 4th District, she tirelessly advocates for essential nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC, and champions universal school meals.
Meet Willie Bryant: A Route Representative Delivering Healthy Food For 17 Years
At Hunger Task Force, our team of route representatives plays a pivotal role in feeding our most vulnerable neighbors in need. Willie Bryant has been a part of the team for 17 years and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else or in a different role.
Fue Xiong Increases Access to Healthy Food for Limited English Proficiency Residents on Milwaukee’s North Side
Fifteen years ago, Fue Xiong joined the Hunger Task Force FoodShare team to ensure low-income residents of Milwaukee understand how to apply for and maintain FoodShare benefits and connect them to other federal nutrition programs for which they may qualify.
Meet Jon Janowski: School Breakfast Champion and Former Advocacy Director at Hunger Task Force
During his tenure at Hunger Task Force as Advocacy Director, Jon Janowski developed a best-in-class advocacy program that emphasized school breakfast. During his 16-year career at Hunger Task Force, Jon hired and trained more than 16 fellows including Matt King who is the current Associate Director of Hunger Task Force. Jon currently serves as the Executive Director of The Neighborhood House, which is a part of the Hunger Task Force network.
Brian McCarty Hopes to Inspire Other Medical Professionals to Give Back
Brian McCarty isn’t waiting on the world to change. Instead, he is investing his knowledge and resources into the community and encouraging others to do the same. He donated $500,000 to create the McCarty Education Kitchen – a highlight of the new Hunger Task Force headquarters.
Barb Notestein Mobilized Communities and Brought School Breakfast to Milwaukee’s Children
Barb Notestein’s career has been defined by her unwavering dedication to advocating for public policy initiatives aimed at feeding families and children in Milwaukee. In 1978, she was named the organization’s second Executive Director. She held the role until she left the organization in 1984.
Quadracci Family Supports Hunger Relief Through a Legacy of Generational Giving
Driven by Betty and Harry Quadraccis’ commitment to a thriving community, the family’s longstanding support for Hunger Task Force exemplifies their deep commitment to the well-being of their community, extending far beyond their prominent contributions to education, community development and the arts.
Louie Gentine and Hunger Task Force Have Partnered for More than 20 Years to Provide Real Food for Wisconsin Families
For more than 20 years, Louie Gentine has joined Hunger Task Force in the fight against hunger by donating both cheese and capital so families can receive free food on the day they need it and in the neighborhood they live in.
A Milwaukee Champion: Alicia Williams and a Lifetime of Service
For over three decades, Alicia Williams has been a relentless advocate for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable residents. Her unwavering dedication to anti-hunger advocacy and community empowerment found a perfect home at Hunger Task Force, where her impactful work has left a lasting legacy. This commitment was honored in 2021 with the naming of Hunger Task Force’s north side FoodShare resource center – Alicia’s Place.
Meet Joe and Joyce Ellwanger the Passionate Couple Behind Hunger Task Force
Joe and Joyce Ellwanger, the passionate couple behind the creation of Hunger Task Force, initiated the organization’s journey in the 1970s by establishing a free breakfast program for students in Milwaukee’s low-income neighborhoods.
Through Valery Buechner Hunger Task Force Became a TEFAP Administrator
Hunger Task Force is the long-standing, trusted administrator of the USDA commodity foods program – The Emergency Food Assistance Program. In 1998 Valery Buechner held a pivotal role in Wisconsin as the administrator of this program.
Guy Smith is Helping Plant Seeds of Change: Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee County Park’s Win-Win Partnership
Guy Smith has been a driving force in cultivating a healthier, more equitable Milwaukee by directly addressing food insecurity, promoting environmental stewardship and fostering vibrant community centers through parks. His leadership played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Hunger Task Force’s vision and Milwaukee County’s resources.
Gus Gnorski’s Enduring Impact: A Veteran Reporter’s Legacy Covering Hunger Task Force from Newsrooms to Neighborhoods
In the vibrant landscape of Milwaukee media, August “Gus” Gnorski carved out a distinguished career as a community reporter, leaving an indelible mark during his four decades in the industry. Over 22 years at TMJ4 and an additional 18 at FOX 6, Gus not only reported on local stories but also emerged as a passionate advocate for ending hunger in the community.
Michael Zeka Has Proudly Served as the President of the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors For 16 Years
For more than 30% of the time Hunger Task Force has been feeding hungry children, families and seniors, Michael Zeka has served as the president and chairman of the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Michael takes pride in the fact that serving on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors is more than a line on a resume. The board is hands on and provides operational support and serves as a sounding board for leaders within the organization.
Rick Lewandowski Has Been Feeding Hungry Seniors for Nearly 20 Years
In 2004, Rick Lewandowski walked through the doors of Hunger Task Force eager to make a difference in his hometown by ensuring hungry seniors received Stockboxes – a box of supplementary food to low-income seniors – every month. Little did he know, nearly 20 years later, he’d still be working every day to improve the lives of Milwaukee’s vulnerable seniors as the organization’s first Senior Services Director.
Closing the Hunger Gap: Norm Monsen Connects Wisconsin Farms to Vulnerable Communities through Dairy Recovery Program
Norm Monsen, Dairy Economic Development Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), is a champion for Wisconsin’s dairy industry and was a critical partner to Hunger Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic.