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

Dr. Reno Wright

Advocacy Director

[email protected]

Carmen Baldwin, NDTR

Community Nutrition Manager

[email protected]

Allen Castillo

FoodShare Program Manager

[email protected]

Pasua Chang, MS, RDN, CD

Community Dietitian

[email protected]

Melanie Foland

Child Nutrition Educator

[email protected]

Tammy Keen

FoodShare Supervisor – Robles Center

[email protected]

Mark Lisowski

Hunger Relief Federation Organizer

[email protected]

Tania Ramsey

Child Nutrition Organizer

[email protected]

Brandon Savage

Hunger Relief Federation Manager

[email protected]

Fue Xiong

FoodShare Supervisor – Alicia’s Place

[email protected]

ADVOCACY NEWS & FEATURES:

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

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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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

read more

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...

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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...

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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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

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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...

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