Advocacy
Advocacy
Hunger Task Force works to end future hunger through advocacy—standing up for those who can’t stand alone. Advocacy is identifying problems and advancing policy solutions through research, public pressure, coalitions and direct lobbying. Advocacy is also identifying and organizing champions to raise their voices to make positive change.
We work with elected officials and government agencies to strengthen and improve programs that feed families in our community, and elevate stories of champions to amplify the impact that policy changes have on hungry families.
— CURRENT ADVOCACY PRIORITY: 2024 FARM BILL —
The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress roughly every five years and most recently in 2018. It is currently operating on a continuing resolution until December 20, 2024. It covers various aspects of agriculture, nutrition, conservation and rural development policies in the United States. It authorizes funding for various federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/FoodShare in Wisconsin), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP/Stockbox in Wisconsin).
Our Story
Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a group of parent advocates to support a school breakfast program in Milwaukee Public Schools. That work continues today and is part of our Mission Statement: “We work to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.”
How We Advocate
One of the most important ways we work to end hunger is working with elected officials, government agencies and citizen advocates to strengthen and improve important food security programs on the national, state and local level. These programs—including the FoodShare program, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), School Meals, Summer Meals and senior nutrition programs—feed families in our community and make sure our champions have the chance to raise their voices to make positive change and end hunger in Wisconsin.
Hunger Relief Federation
The Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries, formed for the express purpose of mutual benefit in matters related to funding, resource sharing and public policy organizing. Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, bringing together free and local partners from across the state. The Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin aims to connect anti-hunger advocate partners throughout the state to engage and expand the Free, Local, Independent model. Learn more.
Join Voices Against Hunger!
Voices Against Hunger is Hunger Task Force’s citizen advocacy group. The goal of Voices Against Hunger is simple: Advocate together to promote social policies to end future hunger. Joining Voices Against Hunger is a quick, impactful way you can influence effective anti-hunger public policy.
CONTACT US
ADVOCACY NEWS & FEATURES:
Kenosha food bank serves hundreds every week; aims to meet demand
By: Abril Preciado, FOX 6 NewsKENOSHA, Wis. - A Kenosha food bank is bringing hope to the community. Its goal is not only to be there for families at Thanksgiving, but year-round. Dozens of cars waiting outside Shalom Center food pantry on Wednesday, Nov. 27. They...
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Shalom Center
Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, which is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries. Shalom Center, a member of the federation for a little over three years, strengthens the health and wellness of the...
Strengthening Nutrition Security: Hunger Task Force Community Dietitian’s Insights from FNCE 2024
Written by Pasua Chang, MS, RDN, Community Dietitian at Hunger Task Force. --------------------------------------------- This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, MN. As the Community...
Hunger Task Force Nurturing Healthy Choices At Escuela Vieau Public School Through Nutrition Education Program
Hunger Task Force operates a robust nutrition education program to educate students about healthy eating. During the school year, our Child Nutrition Educator travels to Milwaukee Public Schools to teach nutrition education to low-income kids in their classroom. To...
Wrapping Up the 2024 Hunger Relief Federation Summit
The 2024 Hunger Relief Federation Summit held October 3- 4 in Stevens Point, WI brought together over 100 food security advocates, pantry leaders and anti-hunger experts from 29 counties across Wisconsin. This year's summit was particularly special since it marked the...
Menickalay Smith Uses Her Social Work Degree to Change the Lives of Low-Income Residents in Milwaukee
At Hunger Task Force, we believe that every person has a right to healthy food obtained with dignity. Our talented FoodShare Outreach team works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by helping low-income residents in Milwaukee apply for FoodShare – or SNAP as it’s...
Hunger Task Force is Here to Help You Apply For and Maintain Your FoodShare Benefits in Spanish
Hunger Task Force está aquí para ayudarte a solicitar y mantener tus beneficios de FoodShare en español En Hunger Task Force, nuestro talentoso equipo de defensores bilingües de FoodShare brinda apoyo personalizado a individuos y familias que buscan solicitar...
Nearly 400,000 Summertime Meals Served to Local Kids in 2024
Summer is the peak season for childhood hunger as students go without meals they would normally receive at school. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, provides kids and teens in...
Heidi Chada Is a Hunger Hero Working to Feed Low-Income Kids For 18 Summers and Counting
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Sheboygan County Food Bank
Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, which is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries. Sheboygan County Food Bank, a member of the federation for almost eight years, leads Sheboygan County’s efforts to...
Hunger Task Force Partners with Mount Mary University to Educate About and Enroll College Students in FoodShare
FoodShare is the first line of defense against hunger. At Hunger Task Force, our talented team of FoodShare Advocates dedicate their workdays to educating those eligible about FoodShare and helping them apply for the 100% fully government funded benefits. As...
The Farm’s School Garden Wraps Up a Productive Year
The Hunger Task Force Farm is more than just a space for growing fresh cultural produce for the community – it’s a living classroom. Through the Garden-to-Plate program, students from local inner-city schools experienced the full cycle of food production in the School...
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 the newest edition of...
Hunger Task Force and SWSHD Host Family Cooking Class at McCarty Education Kitchen
Hunger Task Force once again joined forces with the Southwest Suburban Health Department (SWSHD) to host a family-centered cooking class at the McCarty Education Kitchen in the food bank's West Milwaukee headquarters. The no-cost experience provided local families...
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...
Nutritious and delicious: Hunger Task Force teaches MPS students of color how to eat healthy
By: Jolan Kruse, Milwaukee Journal SentinelSmall hands pat radish seeds into the dark, rich soil, as young faces smile in anticipation. Within a few weeks, the children will watch the seeds sprout at the Hunger Task Force farm in Franklin. The 20 children, primarily...
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member River Falls Community Food Pantry
Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, which is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries. River Falls Community Food Pantry, a member of the federation for six years, serves any person in need of food who...
Centers For Independence’s New Commercial Kitchen Strengthens Summer Meals Program
The need for summer meals is undeniable. In Milwaukee, tens of thousands of children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches during the academic year. However, with schools closed, these children face a significant hunger gap during the summer months. The...
Lauren Hansen Helped Hunger Task Force Become the First MyPlate Focused Food Bank as Former Nutrition Educator
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
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...
Meet Our Hunger Relief Federation Member Antigo Community Food Pantry
Hunger Task Force is the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation, which is a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries. Antigo Food Pantry, a member of the federation for eight years, is helping children, families and seniors in need by...
FoodShare Advocates Are Helping College Students Enroll in FoodShare
FoodShare is the first line of defense against hunger. At Hunger Task Force, we have a talented team of FoodShare Advocates who work diligently to get qualifying individuals enrolled in the program absolutely free of charge. Our advocates at the Robles Resource Center...
Sprouting Healthy Habits: Garden-to-Plate Program Nurtures Young Chefs
Summertime is here, and Hunger Task Force is celebrating the incredible success of our revamped Garden-to-Plate program this school year! The program has blossomed, reaching 356 students across 14 classrooms in six schools within the West Allis-West Milwaukee (WAWM)...
Hunger Task Force Heads to Washington D.C. for Anti-Hunger Policy Conference
Three members of the Hunger Task Force team attended the Food Research & Action Center’s National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. They joined more than 1,000 anti-hunger advocates as they listened to compelling presentations...
Summer 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 the newest edition of...
Fue Xiong Increases Access to Healthy Food for Limited English Proficiency Residents on Milwaukee’s North Side
Courtesy of Quadracci Family50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting...
Why You Should Sign Up for Voices Against Hunger to Help Eliminate Hunger in Wisconsin
Reno Wright, Advocacy Director [email protected] Contact Reno Wright, Advocacy Director to learn more about Voices Against Hunger. Why did Hunger Task Force revive Voices Against Hunger? We relaunched Voices Against Hunger to provide a platform for...
From Classroom to Community: Child Nutrition Educator Inspires Healthy Choices in Local Schools
Melanie Foland, Child Nutrition Educator at Hunger Task Force, has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on young lives. Inspired by her own influential teachers, Melanie embarked on a career in education. “My teachers made such a difference in my life. I...
FoodShare Advocate Mar Mar Lin Lends a Helping Hand to Milwaukee’s APIDA Community
Mar Mar Lin, a FoodShare Advocate at Hunger Task Force, understands the struggles of newcomers in Milwaukee all too well. Born in Burma, her childhood was disrupted by the 8888 Uprising, forcing her family to flee to Thailand and live in refugee camps. In 2001, when...
Wisconsin will replace FoodShare aid when outages spoil food, but filing requests isn’t easy
Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of awareness mean few FoodShare/SNAP recipients are reimbursed for spoiled food following power outages and other misfortunes.By: Addie Costello, Wisconsin Watch Food doesn’t last long in Leisa Winston’s home, where she takes care of...
Spring 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 the newest edition of...
Meet Laura Witkowski Our SNAP-ED Farmer Teaching Urban Students the Basics of Farming
Hunger Task Force offers a Farm-to-School program that gives nearly 30 students from Milwaukee Public Schools in third, fourth and fifth grade the opportunity to take bi-weekly field trips to the Hunger Task Force Farm during the growing season. Born and raised on...
Hunger Task Force Shares Heart Healthy Meal with WISN 12
By: Diana Gutierrez, WISN 12 WISN 12 is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a promise of more service to the community. We're expanding our commitment to the Hunger Task Force with a focus on what the community needs most. This month, we're showcasing healthy meals...
Alicia Williams is a Champion for Milwaukee Families With a Lifetime of Service
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
FoodShare Advocate Qadir Shah Hotak Helps Refugees Feel at Home in Milwaukee
Having grown up in Afghanistan, Qadir understands firsthand the difficulty people face when establishing roots in a new country. In 2022, he moved to Milwaukee to be closer to his brothers after residing in New Jersey for nearly one year. However, his road to the U.S....
Hunger Task Force Helps St. Joseph Food Program and Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank Go the Extra Mile
Capacity is key when it comes to serving the community. Hunger Task Force is pleased to have made it possible for St. Joseph Food Program and Walworth County Food & Diaper Bank to receive a new refrigerated truck to enable both organizations to provide more fresh...
Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee County Parks Innovative Partnership to Reduce Food Insecurity in Milwaukee
By: Wisconsin Public Radio Guy Smith, executive director of the Milwaukee County Parks, and Matt King, associate director and incoming CEO of Hunger Task Force, discussed the nearly 20-year partnership between the organizations to tackle hunger and promote...
Joe and Joyce Ellwanger Are the Passionate Couple Behind Hunger Task Force
50 Faces. 50 Stories. 50 Years of Fighting Hunger. Hunger Task Force is proud to be Milwaukee's only Free & Local food bank and Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, Hunger Task Force is highlighting “50 Faces of Ending Hunger,”...
Hunger Task Force Celebrates 2024 Wisconsin School Breakfast Champions
This year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin, Hunger Task Force, and No Kid Hungry Wisconsin are thrilled to recognize nine Breakfast Champions across the Badger state! Throughout our nomination period, we...
ARPA Support Fuels Growth and Efficiency at Wisconsin Food Pantries
Nestled in the heart of Pepin County, the Durand Area Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for families facing hunger since the 1980s. Led by dedicated administrator Marcia Bauer, the pantry has not only weathered the pandemic storm but also emerged stronger thanks...
Hunger Task Force Fosters Dignity and Connection through FoodShare Support
Ivette Rivera Soto, a 64-year-old retired teacher's assistant living in Greenfield, knows the delicate dance of balancing budget, health, and family. Cooking traditional sofrito and keeping her diabetes in check are daily priorities, but access to healthy food isn't...
Toolkit Available! 2023-2024 NSBW School Breakfast Celebration
We want to show some love to the everyday champions who make school breakfast possible for kids. It takes a village - teachers, principals, superintendents, custodians, cafeteria staff, advocates - the list goes on. In this toolkit, we’ve gathered tools, templates,...
Alicia’s Place FoodShare Resource Center continues its community impact
By: Tajma Hall, CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- About a quarter of a million people living in Milwaukee County rely on the FoodShare program and many people need help getting the access they need. Alicia's Place FoodShare Resource Center has been a vital part of the...
Unlocking Resources, Preserving Dignity: The Crucial Role of Pantry Intake Conversations
The Hunger Relief Federation strives to assist over 130 members in 58 counties across Wisconsin. While we work on many issues affecting communities, primarily in rural and remote spaces, we collaborate on client interviews – a vital first step toward ending hunger in...
Use Your Voice! Ensure WIC Stays Strong for Milwaukee Families
A powerful call to action from Reno Wright, Advocacy Director, Hunger Task Force:Our children's health depends on us, and today I’m reaching out with an important advocacy action for our community to take collectively. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program...
The Neighbors’ Place: Hunger Relief Federation Partner Nourishing Our Central Wisconsin Neighbors
At Hunger Task Force, we are proud to be the founding member of the Hunger Relief Federation – a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries formed to connect anti-hunger advocate partners throughout the state of Wisconsin to engage and expand...
Cultural Foods Coordinator Keeps Pantry Shelves Stocked with Staples for All
When clients walk through the aisles of an emergency food pantry within the Hunger Task Force network, they have a variety of healthy items at their fingertips to bring home to cook healthy, cultural recipes. Pasua Chang, our Cultural Foods Coordinator, is dedicated...
Nominations Open! 2024 School Breakfast Champion
We want to show some love to the everyday champions who make school breakfast possible for kids. It takes a village - teachers, principals, superintendents, custodians, cafeteria staff, advocates - the list goes on. We want to hear from you! Is there someone in your...
Replacement for FoodShare Benefits
Current FoodShare members who lose food purchased with FoodShare benefits due to a flood, a fire, or other household misfortune, can request the replacement benefits from the State. Per the FoodShare handbook, a loss of power for four (4) hours or more can qualify as...
Urgent Action Needed: Ensure WIC Stays Strong for Every Family!
A powerful call to action from Reno Wright, Advocacy Director, Hunger Task Force:Our children's health depends on us, and today I’m reaching out with an important advocacy action for our community to take collectively. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program...
Winter 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 the Fall 2023 edition of...
Manitowoc Public School Advocates Working to Provide Healthy School Meals for All Students and End Lunch Shaming in the District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT Jonathan Hansen, Chief Strategy Officer414.238.6478 office | 414.588.7614 [email protected] Public School Advocates Working to Provide Healthy School Meals for All Students and End Lunch Shaming in the...
Student Interns from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Join Forces with Hunger Task Force to Address Local School Meal Needs
Hunger Task Force is proud to announce our inaugural partnership with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee! Cristo Rey boasts an innovative, nationally acclaimed work-study model, affording students the opportunity to offset a portion of their educational expenses...
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...
Salvation Army: A Community Champion for Summer Meals in Milwaukee
A Summer Tradition of Giving For Milwaukee, a community where many families are facing financial hardships, organizations like the Salvation Army serve as beacons of hope and service. A member of the Salvation Army team, Kummardar Brodie stands out as a shining...
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...
Child Nutrition Organizer Helps Ensure That Every Child in Wisconsin Starts School Ready to Learn
School meals play an important role in helping to ensure that every child starts school ready to learn. As the Child Nutrition Organizer, Tamira Rasco works to increase participation in federal nutrition programs in our schools through outreach, organizing, education...
Hmong American students find their roots in the School Garden through “Cooking with Culture”
This summer, Hunger Task Force piloted the “Cooking with Culture” initiative, a multi-grade nutrition program that taught students from the Hmong community about healthy eating. Cooking with Culture was started to help close the gap in nutrition education among...
Fall 2023 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 the Fall 2023 edition of...
‘I feel thankful’: Family of seven shares how important free school meals are as kids head back to class
By: Symone Woolridge, TMJ4 News As kids and parents prepare to head back to school, it’s important to think about the children who don’t always have access to necessities like food. According to the Hunger Task Force, one in four kids doesn’t have enough food to eat....
Local Seniors Look for Solutions After Badger Box Funding Ends
Wisconsin legislators voted down measure to add funding to the state budget A pandemic-era resource is ending, leaving thousands of people across Wisconsin looking for new solutions. For the last few years, Willie Seward-Fowlkes looked forward to her monthly Badger...
“Meal Mates” Pilot Program Provides Healthy Takeaway Options for Families in Need
For many kids, summertime means food, friends and fun. For families who count on school breakfast and lunch, however, the summer months can be stressful and family food budgets have to be stretched even further. Hunger Task Force is committed – through the Eat Up...
Big Grant to Feed Little Kids: Hunger Task Force Receives WIC CIAO Grant
Feeding kids is core to Hunger Task Force’s mission. And over the next two years, we have a special opportunity to connect more infants and moms to the Women, Infants and Children program. Thanks to a special WIC Community Innovation and Outreach grant (WIC CIAO, for...
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...
Summer 2023 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 the Summer 2023 edition...
Meet Up And Eat Up, Milwaukee! 2023 Summer Meals Program Provides Daily Meals to Kids, Teens and Families
With the support and collaboration of community-wide partners and organizations, Hunger Task Force is kicking off the Milwaukee Summer Meals Program this week! This summer, families with kids and teens (18 and under) are invited to Meet up And Eat Up at more than 150...
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...
Hunger Task Force Celebrates Schools Recognized in the 2022-23 Wisconsin School Breakfast Challenge
School Breakfast fuels academic success! Kids who eat a healthy school breakfast do better in math, have higher attendance and are more likely to graduate. This year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction teamed up with Hunger Task Force, the School...
Spring 2023 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 the Spring 2023 edition...
Hunger Task Force Participates in White House “Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin”
On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Hunger Task Force's Executive Director, Sherrie Tussler, attended an exclusive conference at the White House: Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin. The half-day conference invited select Wisconsin leaders to share...
Speaking Your Language for Help
Working full-time with two young boys, a child on the way and a child off at college, Sue Vang understands the value and support that family and community members have in each other's lives. Seven years ago, when Sue was in need of resources for her family, she...
Everyone knew extra federal food stamp allotments would end. But the timing couldn’t be worse.
Story by: Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal SentinelEbony Williams, 30, and her daughter Schyrinity, 11, stood in the lobby of the Despensa De La Paz food pantry on a cold January Saturday, quietly watching as people bustled past them and into a packed waiting room....
A Uniquely Wisconsin Solution to Hunger
Located in Spooner, Wisconsin, Chieftain Wild Rice and Rice River Farms is a family-owned business, producing its distinctive, high-quality wild rice since 1957. Jill Dahlstorm, the president and second-generation owner, has been around the business since she was a...
Hunger Task Force prepares families and seniors for the ending of extra FoodShare COVID-19 pandemic payments
Due to Federal Action, the Last Extra FoodShare COVID-19 Pandemic Payment is February 19, 2023. Hunger Task Force will begin preparing families and seniors for the ending of extra FoodShare COVID-19 pandemic benefits. On Friday, January 13, 2023, the Wisconsin...
2022-2023 School Breakfast Challenge
School Breakfast fuels academic success! Kids who eat a healthy school breakfast do better in math, have higher attendance and are more likely to graduate. Make this school year the best one yet. Join the Wisconsin School Breakfast Challenge and see how easy it is to...
Winter 2023 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 the Winter 2023 edition...
Badger Box Program Will Continue
Fighting hunger isn’t a seasonal issue, but this is the time of year that many people pay more attention to food insecurity in our communities. Sherrie Tussler, the Executive Director of Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee shares more about the urban farm they use to...
Food is a Human Right: Hunger Persists in Wisconsin
Hunger persists in Wisconsin. Throughout the pandemic, a good deal of federal financial assistance streamed to states and communities to address the pandemic’s impact on unemployment, supply chain interruptions and inflation. Free food provided by charities won’t...
Hunger Task Force Unveils Van for Ho-Chunk Nation Health Department
Jon Greendeer, Heath and Wellness Coordinator, Ho-Chunk Nation Health DepartmentHunger Task Force unveiled a newly wrapped refrigerated van to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Made possible by a generous donation, the van will be used to support the Tribal Health...
Local Mother Finds FoodShare is a Blessing During the Holidays
Growing up, Nanette learned the value of giving back to her community. Up until her early adult years, Nanette volunteered at the food pantry and soup kitchen in her community, not knowing that she would one day depend on these resources to make ends meet. When a...
Hunger Task Force Files Civil Rights Complaint Due to Ill-advised MiLES Closure and Move
Complaint sites institutional bias and continued disparate treatment against people of color, precariously housed and limited English proficient in need of services in Milwaukee.On Monday, October 31, Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Hunger Task Force, presented...
Milwaukee Veteran Encourages Other Seniors to Apply for FoodShare
Alan, a retired veteran, living in Milwaukee, heard about FoodShare through a friend. “I didn’t know about FoodShare until a friend told me about it,” said Alan. “I might have seen it on TV or something, but it didn’t register that it was for me. I’m single and I’m...
Hunger Task Force Badger Box Program receives $5 Million Investment from Gov. Evers and DATCP
MILWAUKEE – (October 20, 2022) – Governor Evers, along with with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), announced today that Hunger Task Force will receive a $5 million investment to continue the work to eliminate food insecurity in...
Food Is A Human Right, But Too Many In My Community Are Struggling To Buy Food
We do not ask for help. We do not tell anyone when we struggle. Too often, we refuse to share our pain, struggle or sorrow until we simply cannot hold it in anymore. That is, it seems, what it means to be a Black person in America. Too often, we are afraid to be...
203,752 Summertime Meals Served to Local Kids in 2022
Summertime is peak season for childhood hunger as students go without meals they would normally receive at school. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, provides kids and teens in...
Hunger Task Force Invited to Speak at White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
Sherrie Tussler will join other anti-hunger leaders from across the nation at the White House. On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Hunger Task Force's executive director, Sherrie Tussler, will speak on a panel during the Biden-Harris Administration's White House...
Fall 2022 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 the Fall 2022 edition of...
Hunger Task Force Welcomes USDA Deputy Under Secretary
Hunger Task Force hosted the United States Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean during her two-day visit to Milwaukee on September 12 and 13. Deputy Under Secretary Dean was appointed by President Biden to advance the President's agenda on...
Hunger Task Force launches “Food is a Human Right” campaign with mailing to 22,000 Milwaukee County residents
22,000 Milwaukee County seniors suffer hunger while up to $27.5 million in federal aid awaits Hunger Task Force has announced the “Food is a Human Right” campaign, citing recent data provided by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “The State has...
Summer 2022 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 the Summer 2022 edition...
Meet Up and Eat Up Milwaukee! Summer Meals Program provides three daily meals to kids, teens and families
With the support and collaboration of several community organizations, Hunger Task Force celebrated the kickoff of the Milwaukee Summer Meals Program at Southgate Playfield. All summer long, kids and teens (18 and under) are invited to “Meet up And Eat Up” at more...
Outpost Natural Foods and Hunger Task Force Launch Produce to the People Discount Program for Wisconsin FoodShare Participants
First of its kind Program in Southern Wisconsin Provides 50% Discount on Fresh Produce Milwaukee, WI, May 20, 2022 – In just a little more than a month, FoodShare Wisconsin participants have purchased more than $20,000 in fresh produce at a 50% savings as part of a...
Spring 2022 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 the Spring 2022 edition...
Palermo’s Pizza and Hunger Task Force Host “Easter Baskets for the Hungry”
Palermo’s Pizza again partnered with Hunger Task Force for the annual Easter Baskets for the Hungry program. The partnership helps those in need by providing special holiday boxes for local families. Palermo’s employees volunteered over two days to both fill and help...
Hunger Task Force launches “Badger Box” featuring Wisconsin-made foods
Hunger Task Force has been chosen by the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to administer $15 million in federal grant funds to build a stronger, hunger-free Wisconsin. These funds—made available through the American Rescue...
Winter 2022 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 the Winter 2022 edition...
Hunger Task Force celebrates school nutrition teams during National School Breakfast Week
To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Hunger Task Force and Wisconsin schools are celebrating National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) during March 7-11, 2022. Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for...
Applying for or receiving SNAP does not affect immigration status
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security want to make sure that everyone who qualifies for nutrition assistance gets that...
Voices Against Hunger: Policy District, February 2022 – 001
While the pandemic has been an opportunity for the federal government to expand access to nutrition programs, some state legislatures are looking for ways to limit access to those programs. In early February, the Wisconsin legislature began debate on bills that would...
A Conversation with Matt Stienstra, FoodShare Program Manager
In preparation for relaunching a Voices Against Hunger newsletter, we sat down with Matt Stienstra, FoodShare Program Manager and former Advocacy Campaign Manager at Hunger Task Force. Matt discusses the importance of FoodShare and shares advice for accepting the...