Volunteer of the Month: Sue Smith
Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or organization that goes above and beyond in their service to the organization.
Hunger Task Force relies on the help of more than 16,000 generous volunteers every year. From food sorting and building healthy food boxes for seniors to helping individuals shop the Mobile Market and harvesting at The Farm, volunteers help Hunger Task Force feed people today and support our work in ending future hunger.
Sue Smith has been a dedicated volunteer since 2022. Sue assists our Nutrition Education Team as they teach local students about healthy eating by helping with interactive lessons in the McCarty Education Kitchen and School Garden. In addition to her time spent supporting the Garden to Plate program, Sue regularly volunteers for community events, mailings and other tasks. Sue also supports Hugner Task Force’s Free & Local mission as a donor. Now retired, she stays actively involved and continues to make a strong, consistent impact across the organization. We are proud to recognize Sue as our Volunteer of the Month!
When did you start volunteering with Hunger Task Force and what made you want to get involved?
Sue: I started volunteering with Hunger Task Force in December 2022. I’ve always been impressed by the organization and wanted to contribute to its mission of alleviating food insecurity in our community.
What volunteer activities do you help with?
Sue: I’ve helped with mailings and some of the marathons. Since April 2024, I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer and give time to the Garden to Plate program with the Nutrition Education team.
What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
Sue: I thoroughly enjoy working with the students who participate in the Garden to Plate program. The way the students embrace the activities, from making pizza to tasting honey from the farm hives, speaks to the strength of the program.
Why do you continue to pick Hunger Task Force?
Sue: My deep respect for Hunger Task Force continues to grow as I realize how far-ranging and impactful its contributions to the community truly are. What keeps me jumping at opportunities to volunteer is Melanie (Child Nutrition Educator), Patrice (SNAP-Ed Assistant) and Laura (SNAP-Ed Farmer). They are the creative forces behind the program, and they meet educational goals with clockwork precision in a fun, nurturing environment. They amaze me every time I volunteer!
What’s been your most memorable experience volunteering?
Sue: I’ve gotten some hugs from the students, which certainly warmed my heart. Once, a fifth grader answered “photosynthesis” when asked what plants need. I’m pretty sure that made his teacher proud!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Hunger Task Force?
Sue: Do it! You won’t regret it.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit: www.HungerTaskForce.org/volunteer
Meet our Volunteers of the Month!
Click below to discover the people making a difference in the fight against hunger – new volunteers added each month! Keep checking back to meet more incredible volunteers helping end hunger in Milwaukee.