Partner of the Month: Sargento
Hunger Task Force isn’t just Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank – we’re a community. We believe in the power of collaboration, and that’s why we’re thrilled to recognize our amazing supporters through “Partner of the Month,” a platform to celebrate the incredible local organizations, businesses and companies who join us in the fight against hunger. They donate food, volunteer their time, raise awareness and provide financial support – strengthening our work in preventing hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger-free community tomorrow.
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Sargento
The partnership between Sargento and Hunger Task Force is rooted in a shared commitment to providing hunger and food insecurity relief across Wisconsin. Sargento understands that food is fundamental and as a family-owned, real food company, Sargento’s philanthropy is focused on meeting basic human needs to allow families and communities to thrive. Sargento gives generously to these causes because our founder believed in sharing our company’s success with our community neighbors who we consider part of the Sargento Family.
The relationship between Sargento and Hunger Task Force began over two decades ago, driven by a mutual belief that no one in the community should go hungry. Sargento has long recognized the statewide reach of Hunger Task Force, making it an ideal partner for impactful community outreach. Over the years, Sargento has donated more than $2.8 million and nearly 400,000 pounds of natural cheese to Hunger Task Force, helping to provide healthy, free food to families in need.
Touchdowns for Hunger: A Winning Tradition
Launched in 2003, the Touchdowns for Hunger™ program is a signature initiative that brings together Sargento, the Green Bay Packers and Hunger Task Force. For every touchdown the Packers score during the regular season, Sargento donates $2,000 to hunger relief in Wisconsin. These funds are shared by Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee and Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay.
Now in its 23rd season, Touchdowns for Hunger has raised more than $1.95 million and provided over one million meals to families across the state. The program is celebrated annually with check presentations and volunteer events, where Packers players, Sargento leadership and Hunger Task Force staff come together to thank volunteers and highlight the importance of community partnerships.
The impact goes beyond financial contributions. Sargento employees and Packers players regularly volunteer at Hunger Task Force, rolling up their sleeves to serve meals and engage with the community. As Sargento Chairman & CEO Louie Gentine puts it, “Touchdowns for Hunger is our way to raise awareness of food insecurity in our home state while at the same time, raising funds for two great non-profit organizations and rooting for our home team.”
Double Helping for Hunger: Baseball’s Big Assist
In 2018, Sargento expanded its sports-driven philanthropy by launching Double Helping for Hunger in partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers. For every double the Brewers hit during the regular season, Sargento donates $200 to Hunger Task Force. This program has quickly become another cornerstone of Sargento’s commitment to fighting summer hunger – a time when children in the community are most vulnerable. Donations have totaled nearly $350,000 since its inception.
Double Helping for Hunger is celebrated with events like the Summer Sizzle, where Brewers players, Sargento volunteers, and Hunger Task Force staff serve a meal to children and families. These gatherings not only provide nutritious food but also foster a sense of community and with activities, giveaways, and opportunities for kids to meet their sports heroes.
Meet our Partners of the Month!
Click below to discover real people, schools, organizations and businesses making a difference in the fight against hunger – new partners added each month! Keep checking back to meet more incredible partners making a difference.