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RECENT NEWS
Hunger Task Force News & Features
Partner of the Month: Molson Coors
As Hunger Task Force’s Partner of the Month for November 2024, Molson Coors is honored for its committed volunteer efforts and company-wide food drives. Through these contributions, Molson Coors plays a vital role in helping to provide nutritious food to families in need across Milwaukee.
Shirl Gordon Remembered for Her Dedication to Feeding and Sheltering Individuals in Need
Shirl Gordon dedicated her life to fighting hunger and homelessness in Milwaukee. As a Hunger Task Force Site Developer, her compassion and leadership transformed our emergency food network, leaving a legacy of service and love.
Andrew Ruehl Supports Affordable Access to Healthy Groceries on the Mobile Market
Discover how Milwaukee native Andrew Ruehl, Community Affairs Lead at GE HealthCare, is tackling food insecurity and promoting health equity in Milwaukee. Learn about his efforts to support Hunger Task Force and the Mobile Market, bringing affordable healthy food to underserved communities.
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Shalom Center
Shalom Center, a Hunger Relief Federation member dedicated to combating hunger in Kenosha County, serves the community through a long-standing soup kitchen, an emergency food pantry serving thousands and innovative partnerships.
Farm-to-Food Bank: LFPA Purchasing Program is a Win-Win for Farmers and Families
Through the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, Hunger Task Force is empowering local farmers and improving access to nutritious food for low-income families. With nearly $250,000 invested in fresh produce and Wisconsin meats, the program creates a reliable market for small farms while delivering high-quality, locally grown food to families across the state.
Milwaukee Marine Veteran still looks to serve his community by fighting hunger
Sal Gonzalez, a U.S. Marine veteran, brings his commitment to service to Hunger Task Force as a route representative. Delivering thousands of pounds of food to Milwaukee pantries, Sal ensures families have access to the resources they need.
Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market Receives Boost From Antetokounmpo Family
Stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and staples at half the in-store price, the Mobile Market by Hunger Task Force provides essential groceries to Milwaukee’s underserved areas. Thanks to support from the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation and GE Healthcare, this “store on wheels” continues to reach more neighborhoods, empowering residents with affordable, nutritious options and catering to cultural and dietary needs.
Sarah Bressler is Growing Fresh Solutions to Feed Milwaukee Families in Need at The Farm
Sarah Bressler, Farm Director at the Hunger Task Force Farm, combines her deep agricultural expertise with a passion for community to help feed Milwaukee’s families in need. The Farm grows 70 varieties of fresh produce, Sarah and her team ensure access to nutritious, culturally familiar foods for children, families, and seniors.
Center for Veterans Issues and Hunger Task Force Partner to Provide Free and Healthy Meals to Hundreds of Unhoused Veterans
Hunger Task Force and Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) have partnered for over 23 years to provide free, nutritious meals to hundreds of unhoused veterans. Through this collaboration, CVI’s Transitional Housing Program serves three daily meals to more than 220 veterans, helping them access vital food resources and supportive services.
The Fellas Are Veterans Continuing Their Service and Giving Back to Communities Nationwide
Every year, “The Fellas” travels the country attending NFL games, volunteering in local communities. In Milwaukee, they partnered with Hunger Task Force to pack food for seniors, continuing their mission of giving back. Through friendship and service, The Fellas show us all that service extends far beyond the battlefield.
Sustainable Practices Drive the 2024 Success of the Hunger Task Force Farm
The Hunger Task Force Farm’s 2024 harvest provided over 500,000 pounds of fresh produce to Milwaukee families in need. Learn about the Farm’s sustainable practices and community impact.
Josh and Julia Gimbel Are Building a Legacy of Giving Back at the Hunger Task Force Farm
Josh and Julia Gimbel have turned family tradition into a powerful act of giving, creating lasting impact at Hunger Task Force Farm. Nearly 15 years ago, they planted 12 apple trees with their son Elijah for his mitzvah project. Today, the Gimbels continue to grow their legacy of giving back.
Laura Peracchio Champions Food Justice Through Research and Collaboration with Hunger Task Force
Dr. Laura Peracchio, consumer psychology scholar and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee professor, has leveraged her research and publications to drive Hunger Task Force’s mission. Her decade-long partnership includes pioneering studies on food wellbeing, supporting essential programs like the Mobile Market and Hunger Task Force Farm to increase access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods in Milwaukee.
Volunteer of the Month: Jean Faas
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.
Senator Herb Kohl’s Legacy Includes Improving Community Nutrition in Milwaukee
Senator Herb Kohl’s enduring legacy is rooted in his dedication to improving lives across Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Kohl served 24 years in the U.S. Senate, where he led initiatives like school breakfast programs for children and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors, both crucial to Hunger Task Force’s work.
Partner of the Month: Porsche Club of America – Milwaukee Region
As Hunger Task Force’s October 2024 Partner of the Month, Porsche Club of America Milwaukee Region is recognized for their dedicated volunteer efforts and financial support. Their contributions help provide fresh, nutritious produce to families in Milwaukee.
Alyson Herdeman Has Spent Her Career Helping Improve the Lives of Low-Income Residents
Alyson Herdeman, chief of staff at Hunger Task Force, has dedicated 13 years to ensuring smooth operations and efficient management. From office coordination to accounting support, Alyson’s leadership plays a key role in the organization’s mission to feed local communities in need.
Justin Aprahamian of Sanford Restaurant Cooks to Combat Hunger
Justin Aprahamian, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Sanford Restaurant, has teamed up with Hunger Task Force to fight food insecurity in Milwaukee. Justin brings his passion for local ingredients to the table, helping provide fresh, nutritious produce to those in need.
Strengthening Nutrition Security: Hunger Task Force Community Dietitian’s Insights from FNCE 2024
In her recent attendance at the 2024 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, Pasua Chang, MS, RDN, Community Dietitian at Hunger Task Force, gained valuable insights into nutrition security and professional development.
Hunger Task Force Nurturing Healthy Choices At Escuela Vieau Public School Through Nutrition Education Program
Discover how Hunger Task Force’s Child Nutrition Educator is empowering fourth-grade students at Escuela Vieau Public School with hands-on lessons about healthy eating, fostering lifelong habits in the classroom and beyond.
Widespread Panic Giveaway
The Milwaukee community and Hunger Task Force will miss Widespread Panic rolling through the Riverside Theater this fall. But in the spirit of the band’s annual October concerts, Widespread Panic, the Pabst Theater Group and Hunger Task Force are teaming up to offer a special free giveaway to any fan who wants to enter.
Matt DeCamp and American Rock Band Widespread Panic Have Supported Hunger Task Force For 11 Years
Widespread Panic has supported Hunger Task Force for 11 years, raising $40,000 through their Feeding People Through Music initiative. Senior Project Manager Matt DeCamp helps lead the band’s efforts to fight hunger in Milwaukee.
Hunger Task Force and Siggenaek Center Food Pantry Work Together to Feed Hungry Families in the Historic Mitchell Street Neighborhood
Hunger Task Force and Siggenauk Center Food Pantry have partnered for 28 years to fight food insecurity in Milwaukee’s Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood, serving over 8,500 people annually with culturally relevant, nutritious food.
Hunger Task Force Welcomes Kim Muench as Development Director
Hunger Task Force welcomes Kim Muench as our new Development Director. With nearly 17 years of fundraising experience at Alverno College and Saint Jude the Apostle, Kim is no stranger to Milwaukee. She’s ready to lead our donor relations, partnerships, and events with her passion for making a difference in our community.
Wrapping Up the 2024 Hunger Relief Federation Summit
At the Hunger Relief Federation Summit, anti-hunger advocates from across Wisconsin came together to learn, share, and support one another. With nearly 30 expert panelists and presenters, the summit provided invaluable insights and fostered collaboration between organizations that often work in isolation. Together, these leaders are implementing new strategies to amplify their missions, serve vulnerable populations, and make a greater impact in their communities.
Dan Sidner Has Supported Hunger Task Force through Black Shoe Hospitality for More than 17 Years
Dan Sidner, co-owner of Black Shoe Hospitality, has supported Hunger Task Force for over 17 years. Through the annual Kentucky Derby Party and his role on the Executive Council, Dan leverages his restaurant expertise to help provide healthy food to Milwaukee’s families in need.
Volunteer of the Month: Karin Awve
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.
Mardi Smirl Helps the Community Give Back and Provides Ways to Support Our Mission
Meet Mardi Smirl, Hunger Task Force’s Community Relations Manager. With over 4.5 years at Hunger Task Force and nearly a decade of member engagement experience, Mardi is ready to build strong corporate partnerships and lead food drives like Food For Families to fight hunger in Milwaukee.
Hunger Task Force Teams Up with Sargento Cheese and the Milwaukee Brewers to Feed Families
The Milwaukee Brewers ™ and Sargento Cheese teamed up to support hungry families in Milwaukee. Every time the Milwaukee Brewers ™ hit a double during the regular season, Sargento donated $200 to Hunger Task Force.
Menickalay Smith Uses Her Social Work Degree to Change the Lives of Low-Income Residents in Milwaukee
Menickalay Smith, a FoodShare Advocate at Alicia’s Place Resource Center, is dedicated to helping Milwaukee residents apply for and maintain FoodShare benefits.
Ben Lorber and the team at WISN 12 Help Provide Food For Families During the Holidays
Spearheaded by WISN 12, in partnership with Hunger Task Force, Food For Families is a community-driven fundraiser that raises critical funds to provide festive meals to families in need.
Hunger Task Force Fall 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.
Hunger Task Force is Here to Help You Apply For and Maintain Your FoodShare Benefits in Spanish
At Hunger Task Force, our talented team of bilingual FoodShare Advocates provide one-on-one support for individuals and families seeking to apply for FoodShare and maintain their benefits. At our Resource Center on Milwaukee’s Southside, several advocates, including Margarita and Armando, are waiting to assist you in Spanish and provide tips for using FoodShare benefits.
Nearly 400,000 Summertime Meals Served to Local Kids in 2024
In 2024, Hunger Task Force helped serve nearly 400,000 meals to kids through the USDA’s Summer Meals Program. By expanding non-congregate takeaway options, the program reached children in need across Milwaukee and rural Wisconsin, ensuring no child went hungry during the summer.
Kohl’s Employees Give Back Through Volunteer Hours
Hunger Task Force is proud to partner with Kohl’s, whose employees recently contributed 231 hours of service to our food bank and Farm. Kohl’s amplifies this impact by matching every hour volunteered with a financial gift, helping us provide healthy food to families and seniors in need.