Stephen Poquette Helps Volunteers Make a Meaningful Impact in Milwaukee County

Hunger Task Force is 100% community-supported and is Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. Stephen Poquette has served as the organization’s Farm Volunteer Coordinator for nearly four years. In this role, he manages the recruitment, scheduling, training and stewarding of the Hunger Task Force Farm’s (The Farm) nearly 5,000 volunteers annually and supports seasonal operations by planting, weeding and harvesting and assisting with post-harvest handling.

“I joined the team at Hunger Task Force to create community within Milwaukee’s food system while addressing a persistent need across Milwaukee County,” shares Stephen.

As the Farm Volunteer Manager, Stephen creates meaningful experiences for individuals and groups across Southeastern Wisconsin. With the help of community volunteers, Hunger Task Force harvests nearly 500,000 lbs. of fruits and vegetables at The Farm that are delivered to a network of food pantries, meal programs and shelters to feed people in need of emergency food support across Milwaukee County.

“To play an integral role in growing nearly half a million pounds of fresh produce every single farm season is truly a feat that is bigger than any single one of us,” adds Stephen.

“I am so privileged to get to work alongside volunteers who are eager roll up their sleeves to grow healthy food for people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it. Almost four seasons in and I am still inspired every day to see how excited people are to come and be a part of what we’re doing.”

What people may be surprised to learn is Stephen doesn’t have a farming background. In fact, he received a college degree in history. As a child, Stephen and his family received community support to make ends meet. He knew his career would focus on making a meaningful impact in his community and he is privileged to do just that through this role at Hunger Task Force.

“To get to provide the opportunity for families to visit a food pantry and pick out healthy produce that’s familiar to them is a very meaningful part of my work,” he notes. “I love watching the produce get loaded onto the Hunger Task Force delivery truck knowing it’s going to wind up in different corners of the city where people are going to greet that food with open arms.”

Stephen’s favorite crop to grow on The Farm is apples because they are a full season commitment. To learn more about The Farm, visit https://www.hungertaskforce.org/what-we-do/the-farm/.

Hunger Task Force is Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader and Free & Local food bank. 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.