For all media inquiries, please contact Kate Kazan, Communications & PR Manager.

Kate Kazan

Communications & PR Manager

[email protected]

t:414.238.6461 | m:414.588.5416

RECENT NEWS

Hunger Task Force Hosts Summer Meals Kickoff at Stark Playfield on June 25

Hunger Task Force, alongside key local partners, will kick off the Milwaukee Summer Meals Program at Stark Playfield. This summer, kids and teens (18 and under) are invited to visit one of 180 sites throughout Milwaukee County for nutritious and delicious summer meals.

Summer 2025 Nutrition Education Quarterly available online

Hunger Task Force doesn’t just feed people in our community – we help along their health journeys, too. Hunger Task Force offers a robust Nutrition Education Program committed to providing useful tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Check out this seasonal edition of our Nutrition Education Quarterly. Explore this seasonal publication for helpful tips on healthy eating, cooking skills, budget-friendly shopping and ways to fit physical activity in your day.

Hunger Task Force Summer 2025 Newsletter

Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the newest Hunger Task Force Newsletter! Read about Hunger Task Force’s work advocating for local families, our work at The Farm, updates from our food bank and more information on ways you can support our efforts to end hunger for our neighbors in need.

Hunger Task Force Hosts Public Distribution of Senior Farmers’ Market Vouchers

Hunger Task Force staff and volunteers will register Milwaukee-area low-income seniors up for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and distribute $25 in vouchers to each participant. The vouchers can be exchanged for healthy foods at farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture programs this summer to improve access to healthy foods for low-income seniors.

Hunger Task Force Farm keeps families fed despite federal funding cuts

The Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin is kicking off their growing season, determined to help those in need despite federal funding cuts against food programs. In a quiet, rural part of Franklin, Wisconsin lies 200 acres dedicated to feeding southeast Wisconsin’s most vulnerable.

Food box program brings a taste of Indigenous culture to tribal elders in Milwaukee

Hunger Task Force’s Tribal Elder Traditional Food Box program delivers Indigenous foods to 815 tribal elders in Milwaukee, helping families reclaim culture and support Native producers.

Growing US consumption of ultra-processed foods raises concerns about health harms

Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market delivers fresh, affordable food to Milwaukee neighborhoods, offering a solution as ultra-processed food consumption fuels rising health risks nationwide.

Hunger Task Force Spring 2025 Newsletter

Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the newest Hunger Task Force Newsletter! Read about Hunger Task Force’s work advocating for local families, our work at The Farm, updates from our food bank and more information on ways you can support our efforts to end hunger for our neighbors in need.

How One Milwaukee Food Bank Is Handling the Drop in USDA Funding

Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force, discusses the challenges of meeting food needs in his city after two rounds of federal funding cuts in March.

Spring 2025 Nutrition Education Quarterly available online

Hunger Task Force doesn’t just feed people in our community – we help along their health journeys, too. Hunger Task Force offers a robust Nutrition Education Program committed to providing useful tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Check out this seasonal edition of our Nutrition Education Quarterly. Explore this seasonal publication for helpful tips on healthy eating, cooking skills, budget-friendly shopping and ways to fit physical activity in your day.

Hunger Task Force News & Features

Hunger Task Force Partners with Mount Mary University to Educate About and Enroll College Students in FoodShare

As college campuses reopen, Hunger Task Force is partnering with Mount Mary University to help students access FoodShare benefits. Abigail Sanchez, a FoodShare Advocate, is leading the program by visiting the campus monthly, providing information about FoodShare, and assisting students with applications. This partnership aims to ease financial burdens for students, ensuring they have the support they need.

The Farm’s School Garden Wraps Up a Productive Year

The School Garden at the Hunger Task Force Farm serves as a living classroom where students from local inner-city schools experience the full cycle of food production. Through the Garden-to-Plate program, local kids learned about nutrition and agriculture while harvesting over 583 pounds of produce. This hands-on education cultivated healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Volunteer of the Month: Jay Bubrick

Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or group who go above and beyond in their service to the organization. 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.

Karen Royster Focused on Community Organizing to Grow Hunger Task Force in the 1970s

Karen Royster’s tenure as Executive Director of Hunger Task Force from 1975 to 1980 was a pivotal period in the organization’s history. Her background in community organizing and tenant advocacy prepared her to lead Hunger Task Force through significant growth, laying the foundation for the robust food bank and advocacy organization it is today. Royster’s legacy is a testament to her commitment to addressing both immediate needs and sustainable, long-term solutions to hunger in Milwaukee.

Bryan Bainbridge Proudly Partners with Hunger Task Force to Promote Food Sovereignty and Feed Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryan Bainbridge, CEO of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc., has teamed up with Hunger Task Force to ensure Wisconsin’s tribal nations receive culturally relevant, nutritious food. This partnership not only addresses immediate food needs but also supports long-term food sovereignty, enhancing the health and well-being of tribal communities across the state

Fall 2024 Nutrition Education Quarterly available online

Hunger Task Force doesn’t just feed people in our community – we help along their health journeys, too. Hunger Task Force offers a robust Nutrition Education Program committed to providing useful tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Check out this seasonal edition of our Nutrition Education Quarterly. Explore this seasonal publication for helpful tips on healthy eating, cooking skills, budget-friendly shopping and ways to fit physical activity in your day.

Hunger Task Force and SWSHD Host Family Cooking Class at McCarty Education Kitchen

Hunger Task Force and the Southwest Suburban Health Department (SWSHD) recently hosted a family cooking class at the McCarty Education Kitchen, allowing local families to learn and enjoy healthy recipes together. Participants made pear quesadillas and guacamole while receiving tools and ingredients to recreate the dishes at home.

Meet the New Faces of Hunger Task Force

The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. As an anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force commits to hiring staff with an array of skills, talents and the cultural competence to best serve our diverse community. Hunger Task Force is excited to welcome Carmen and Megan to Hunger Task Force!

Partner of the Month: Piggly Wiggly

Celebrate Piggly Wiggly as Hunger Task Force’s August 2024 Partner of the Month! Discover how this long-standing partnership is bringing fresh, healthy food to underserved Milwaukee communities through innovative initiatives like the Mobile Market.

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member River Falls Community Food Pantry

River Falls Community Food Pantry, Hunger Relief Federation member, serves nearly 550 families every month through the distribution of 30,000 lbs. of healthy food. When clients walk into the food pantry, it feels as though they are in a grocery store. The panty contains aisles of healthy foods and a wall full of refrigerated and frozen foods. Clients can visit twice per month for groceries. They can also come an additional time each week to shop for produce and extra bread.

Centers For Independence’s New Commercial Kitchen Strengthens Summer Meals Program

Discover how the Centers for Independence’s renovated kitchen at Concordia 27 enhances Milwaukee’s Summer Meals Program. With increased capacity and state-of-the-art equipment, CFI is set to provide over 270,000 healthy meals to local children this summer, bridging the hunger gap and supporting job training programs.

Artists Wanted! Seeking submissions for 2024 Holiday Card program

The Hunger Task Force annual Holiday Card program is a festive tradition – every card sent and received helps put food on the table for local families, children and seniors. Hunger Task Force is looking for creative, festive, secular designs that focus on togetherness, connectivity and winter traditions.

Volunteer of the Month: Angie Sandoval

Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or group who go above and beyond in their service to the organization. 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.

Jonathan Hansen Has Grown from Grants & Development Officer to Hunger Task Force’s Chief Strategy Officer

Jonathan Hansen began his career at Hunger Task Force as a Grants & Development Officer. Promoted to Director of Development, he took on responsibilities in fundraising, marketing, and community events, and played a pivotal role in a multi-million-dollar campaign to secure the organization’s headquarters. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer, Jonathan oversees strategic planning, financial development, and programmatic activities, driving the mission to end hunger.

Partner of the Month: Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association

The Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association (MWBA) is a dedicated group working hard to spread the word – and honey! – in southeast Wisconsin. With a focus on advocacy, education, and outreach, the MWBA is making a real difference improving the health of bee populations and the future of honey production. The association’s work with Hunger Task Force is directly contributing to the fight against hunger by providing vital pollination services for fresh produce grown for families in need.

Jerry Pipp Ensures Free Delivery of Food to our Network as Operations Manager

For nearly 11 years, Jerry Pipp has managed our team of drivers and warehouse staff, expanding our warehouse space and improving food variety. Jerry ensures timely deliveries to 65 local pantries, meal providers, and shelters, fostering strong community relationships. His hands-on leadership and commitment to fighting hunger make him an invaluable part of the Hunger Task Force team.

Milwaukee County’s low-income seniors may struggle to afford fresh produce. But this program is a big help..

Hunger Task Force wants to make sure Milwaukee County seniors have fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps provide access to healthy fresh produce. The local food bank is providing $45 vouchers to low-income seniors, which can be used to buy produce at participating farmers markets, roadside produce stands and community-supported agriculture programs.

Hunger Task Force Welcomes Three Summer Interns

The principal strength of Hunger Task Force is its compassionate and committed staff. As an anti-hunger organization, Hunger Task Force commits to hiring staff with an array of skills, talents and the cultural competence to best serve our diverse community. Hunger Task Force is excited to welcome three summer interns – Nina, Nadia and Ashlyn – as they assist Hunger Task Force in our mission to end hunger in Milwaukee.

Sally Callan Enhanced Nutritious Options for Families Through Her Work on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors

For over three decades, Sally Callan served on the Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Joining the board in 1977, she witnessed the organization’s evolution from grassroots advocacy to Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. As a nutritionist for the WIC program, Sally championed initiatives ensuring high-quality food distribution, significantly impacting health outcomes. Her commitment to education, community collaboration, and equitable service continues to inspire and drive Hunger Task Force’s mission today.

Jon “White Feather” Greendeer Champions “Food is Our Medicine” Mission for Ho-Chunk Nation

Jon “White Feather” Greendeer, President of the Ho-Chunk Nation, champions indigenous food systems, stating, “In our culture, our food is our medicine.” His initiatives have fostered local tribal growers and strengthened partnerships like that with Hunger Task Force, enhancing food security and preserving cultural heritage amidst challenges faced by rural communities.

Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Antigo Community Food Pantry

The Antigo Food Pantry, part of the Hunger Relief Federation, has been aiding Langley County for eight years by distributing nutritious food with dignity to those in need. Focused on balanced nutrition, the pantry follows the USDA MyPlate policy, providing fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy options. In 2024 alone, they have served over 1,181 individuals and welcomed 57 new households.

FoodShare Advocates Are Helping College Students Enroll in FoodShare

FoodShare serves as the frontline defense against hunger. At Hunger Task Force, our dedicated team of FoodShare Advocates works tirelessly to enroll eligible individuals in the program at no cost. Our advocates understand the unique challenges faced by these communities and strive to make food security accessible and affordable for all.

Volunteer of the Month: John Bayer

Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or group who go above and beyond in their service to the organization. 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.

Brenna Holly and the team at Johnson Controls Are Key to Combatting Food Insecurity

Brenna Holly, senior director of corporate philanthropy, joined Johnson Controls in 2022. Since she joined the team, the Johnson Controls Foundation, Johnson Controls and its employees have collectively donated nearly $250,000 to combat food insecurity in Milwaukee. In addition, Johnson Controls employees have volunteered over 1,300 hours at Hunger Task Force these last two years.

Hunger Task Force Summer 2024 Newsletter now available online

Click to explore this convenient, digital version of the Hunger Task Force Summer 2024 Newsletter! Learn more about Summer Meals for kids and see the “Milwaukee Model” in action, explore The Farm from above and join us in welcoming Matt King as the new CEO.

Food Deserts: Matt King of Hunger Task Force On How They Are Helping To Address The Problem of People Having Limited Access to Healthy & Affordable Food Options

In many parts of the United States, food deserts create significant health and social problems by limiting access to healthy and affordable food. In Medium’s series, “Food Deserts: How We Are Helping To Address The Problem of People Having Limited Access to Healthy & Affordable Food Options,” they talk to leaders like Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force, about their initiatives to combat this crisis.