Hunger Task Force Farm

The Farm

The Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique 208-acre farm in the suburb of Franklin. During the growing season, The Farm infuses half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables into our food bank’s supply, enhancing the nutrition of those who normally rely on canned or nonperishable foods. Hunger Task Force Farmers grow a variety of different produce, including peppers, tomatoes, corn, watermelon, beans, spinach, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears and more. Last year, Hunger Task Force delivered more than 9 million pounds of food to serve Milwaukee’s hungry residents.

The Farm grows a wide variety of crops to ensure hungry families have access to culturally appropriate foods, rounding out pantry food options with fresh produce rarely found on pantry shelves. Our pear and apple orchards stretch across 12 acres of land and produce 30,000 pounds of fruit each harvest season. Typically, four unique crops are harvested and prepared for delivery each day.

Harley-Davidson has been a strong supporter of the Hunger Task Force Farm since 2012, when it was established as a Signature Program. In 2021, Harley-Davidson announced that the company would support critical work at The Farm for another three years!

History

A farmer named Edmund Carman purchased 160 acres of farmland in 1839, creating the Carman family dairy farm and homestead (before Wisconsin was even a state!). The Burwood Stock Farm then purchased the property from the Carman’s in 1930 and subsequently sold it in 1946, when the Milwaukee County House of Corrections Work Farm was established.

In 2012, Hunger Task Force signed a historic, 30-year lease with Milwaukee County Parks that allows Hunger Task Force farmers to operate more than 200 acres of farmland and natural areas. Today, more than 25 different varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown each season to feed children, seniors and families in our community.

Powered by Harley-Davidson

The Hunger Task Force Farm practices sustainable agriculture to ensure the health of the land and of the community we serve. From crop rotation and drip irrigation to integrated pest management to beekeeping and cover cropping, these sustainable practices allow us to grow a bountiful yield each year for our food pantry network and ensure that The Farm will be productive for generations.

Nutrition Education

We don’t just feed kids—we also teach them about healthy eating! During the school year, the Hunger Task Force Child Nutrition Educator travels to local Milwaukee Public Schools teaching nutrition education to low-income kids. The children also take regular field trips to The Farm, where they gain valuable, hands-on experience working in the school garden and demonstration kitchen.

Interested in bringing a children’s group out to The Farm? Contact us at [email protected].

Volunteering

Each year, more than 5,000 community volunteers provide the labor force that it takes to operate The Farm—from seed to harvest. Want to help? Dig in with us at The Farm today!

Leave a Farm Legacy

The Farm program is made possible through dedicated community support. From volunteering during the harvest to sponsoring seed purchases and farm equipment, your gift sustains The Farm.

Adopt-a-Crop!

The Adopt-A-Crop program is an opportunity to take your support of The Farm to the next level. From planting sweet corn to pollinating crops, the Hunger Task Force Farm relies on the generosity of the community to continue providing healthy, fresh food to hungry Milwaukee families.

• $25: Supplies 45 lbs of sweet corn to a local food pantry

• $50: Grows 100 heads of lettuce for local families in need

• $100: Provides 50 lbs of green beans to local seniors

•$250: Sponsors an acre’s worth of pepper seed

FARM NEWS & FEATURES:

Hunger Task Force Farm – Small Acres, Big Productivity

By: Mid-West Farm Report, Madison – podcast Good soil practices are paying financial dividends for farmers in some states in the upper Midwest, and Wisconsin may soon join in.  Bob Bosold talks to Jack Cornell with the United Soybean Board about Farmers for Soil...

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Winter at The Farm: A Season of Planning and Preparation

As the winter cold envelops the Hunger Task Force Farm, the farm's essential work continues undeterred in the chilly Wisconsin climate. Behind the scenes, there's a flurry of activity and thoughtful planning that keeps the farm in full swing, even when the fields lie...

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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...

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What’s Buzzing at The Farm?

Honeybees play a critical role in agriculture. They pollinate crops and increase yields – honey is just a sweet bonus! At The Farm, it's no different. Hunger Task Force manages eight honeybee hives to boost crop production, pollinating the 24 different crops that we...

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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. This month, Hunger Task Force is proud to announce the addition of three new faces to our Food, Farm and Development teams. We are thrilled to welcome Afi, Chris and Shahree to...

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