Hunger Task Force Expands Access to Fresh Food Grown in Wisconsin

Apr 29, 2026

As the growing season begins, rows at the Hunger Task Force Farm will soon be planted with fresh fruits and vegetables for families across Milwaukee. The Farm plays a central role in Hunger Task Force’s commitment to expanding access to nutritious, locally grown food, intentionally growing and distributing fresh produce to reduce barriers and ensure families have consistent access to familiar options. Each year, it produces half a million pounds of culturally diverse produce that is distributed free of charge through our network of food pantries, meal sites and shelters.

With careful planning already underway, farmers began seeding more than 100,000 plants in the greenhouse back in March. They are taking root in trays and will be transplanted into the fields throughout May. That same forward-looking approach is already delivering results, as this month marks the first harvest of lettuce grown in hoop houses over the winter, extending Wisconsin’s growing season and ensuring an early supply of fresh produce.

This year, The Farm is evolving growing strategies that improve yield, reduce loss and better meet community need. The strategies include trialing garlic and shifting summer production of melon into our hoop houses; the controlled environment helps manage temperature, moisture and pest pressure. At the same time, real-time feedback from pantry partners and community members informs decisions throughout the growing season, making the Farm Plan more responsive and adaptive while ensuring resources are used effectively to grow crops that families will use and enjoy.

While The Farm is a vital source of fresh food, it is only one part of a broader strategy to expand access across Wisconsin.

Investing in Wisconsin Agriculture

Through the newly launched Connecting Farms to Families program, Hunger Task Force is working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative to purchase food directly from small and mid-sized farmers across the state. Supported by a $5 million investment from the Wisconsin state budget, allocated over two years, the program is part of a broader statewide initiative designed to strengthen local agriculture while increasing the amount of fresh, Wisconsin-grown food available to families in need.

Through this effort, Hunger Task Force is building a statewide network that connects local agriculture directly to hunger relief partners. Today, more than 114 Wisconsin producers are engaged and growing, including family farms, small growers, organic producers, sheep and beef farmers, fisheries and mid-sized orchards. Working in partnership with the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative as a central coordinating and distribution partner, Wisconsin dairy, animal protein and fresh produce is reaching nearly 60 organizations across the state each week, including food banks, pantries and meal programs.

“Having a reliable buyer has given us the confidence to expand our production and grow in ways we wouldn’t otherwise be able to,” shares Ying Lo owner of GreenGold Gardens, an organic family farm in Marathon County, Wisconsin.

This is a win-win, providing a stable and reliable market for farmers and producers while ensuring hunger relief organizations like ours have consistent access to healthy, culturally familiar foods to nourish our community. Built on years of statewide collaboration and advocacy, this model strengthens local agriculture, expands distribution networks and increases access to fresh food for families and individuals throughout Wisconsin.

Amplifying Access to Local Produce

In addition to statewide efforts, Hunger Task Force continues to deepen its investment in local agriculture through the Farm to Food Bank Fund.

This 100% community-supported fund was created in response to the federal government’s termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) program. Through this fund, Hunger Task Force purchases fresh produce directly from local and minority-owned farms to supplement what is grown at The Farm. These fruits and vegetables are intentionally selected to reflect the diverse cultural and dietary preferences of the communities we serve.

To date, Hunger Task Force has purchased over $600,000 of Wisconsin grown food to help ensure a wider variety of fresh options are available throughout our network.

A Purposeful Commitment to Fresh Options

Together, the Hunger Task Force Farm, Connecting Farms to Families and the Farm to Food Bank Fund represent a unified approach to increasing access to fresh and local food. By growing, purchasing and distributing food through multiple channels, Hunger Task Force is building a stronger, more resilient food system that supports Wisconsin farmers while ensuring families have access to the healthy foods they need and deserve.

Support from our community makes it possible to grow, source and distribute fresh, nutritious food to families in need across our network.

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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.