Creating a Place at the Table for Every Family: An Update from Our Development Director

Written by: Kim Muench, Hunger Task Force Development Director
[email protected]

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When I think about the holidays, I’m instantly transported back to my Italian grandparents’ dining room. The table was long and full — aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends — and there was always plenty to share. Platters of food passed around, laughter filling the air, and yes, there was always spaghetti and meatballs.

As a child, I never thought about the effort it took to create those moments: opening the door to everyone, making sure there was always a seat at the table, making sure everyone belonged. Those meals were love in action.

For too many families, the holidays don’t feel like that. They bring stress, sacrifice, and the worry of how to make ends meet. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. We’ve seen a 35% increase in need compared to last year. Rising costs for groceries, rent, and utilities are forcing more families to make impossible choices

For the team at Hunger Task Force, this is one of our busiest and most critical times of the year — raising the funds and resources needed to make sure families have food on their tables this holiday season. Hunger Task Force must raise $4.9 million before the end of the year to meet our responsibilities to the community. As Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank, our mission is 100% supported by local donors and we never charge our partner programs for food or delivery.

I want you to know that when you give to Hunger Task Force, your support feeds local families. It provides the food to stock a pantry or a hot meal for a senior. It provides turkeys on holiday tables and seeds for our Farm. I also want you to know that Stewardship is one of our core values, and the donations we receive are maximized to feed families. In fact, our organization runs at a lean 9% overhead, ensuring 91% of all contributions support our programs.

There are many ways to give: a contribution online, a virtual Food For Families drive with your co-workers, or chipping in at one of our many local events this holiday season. You can find out all the ways to support Hunger Task Force this season and more at our Ways to Give webpage.

I’m grateful every day to work alongside incredible people who believe in helping others. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for children, parents, and grandparents across our community.