Adopt-a-Crop
Take your support of the Hunger Task Force Farm to the next level. The Farm relies on support to provide healthy fresh food to families.
Volunteer at The Farm
Dig in with us at The Farm and help us provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need! Groups and individuals welcome.
Hunger Task Force Farm
Spanning 208 acres in the Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce that acts as a lifeline for the community. During growing seasons, with help from nearly 6,000 volunteers, The Farm harvests over half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, a welcome addition to the food bank’s offerings.
A wide offering of nutritious, culturally familiar foods for our diverse community is key at the Hunger Task Force Farm. Farmers cultivate over 70 varieties of 28 different crops, ensuring a well-rounded selection for those in need.
Sustainability is a core principle at the Farm. Farmers utilize practices like crop rotation, drip irrigation and beekeeping to nurture the land while maximizing yields. This dedication ensures a bountiful harvest year after year, providing fresh, nutritious food for Milwaukee’s hungry residents.
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!
Volunteer at The Farm
Dig in with us at The Farm and help us provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need! Groups and individuals welcome.
Adopt-a-Crop
Take your support of the Hunger Task Force Farm to the next level. The Farm relies on support to provide healthy fresh food to families.
Sustainability + Stewardship
Sustainability, stewardship of natural areas and regenerative agriculture remain central to The Farm’s operations, with a strong focus on responsible land management and protecting biodiversity. At the Hunger Task Force Farm, we prioritize practices that nurture the health of our soil and preserve the ecosystem. We employ crop rotation, cover cropping, prescribed burns and pollinator management to ensure the long-term vitality of the land.
The Farm isn’t just fields of crops; it’s also part of a larger ecosystem. Our produce fields and orchards are bordered by oak savannas and large natural prairies; we are committed to preserving this special habitat. Our team of farmers and volunteers work tirelessly to remove invasive plants and replace them with native species. This ensures the oak savanna and prairies that thrive for generations to come.
Nutrition Education
Our Hunger Task Force Farm isn’t just about growing fresh produce for our community; it’s also a vibrant classroom! Through our Farm-to-School program, Hunger Task Force take students on a journey from seed to plate. By getting their hands dirty in the School Garden and learning about different fruits and vegetables, local students gain a newfound appreciation for healthy eating. In our on-site demonstration kitchen, they put their knowledge to the test, creating delicious and nutritious recipes. This hands-on experience empowers them to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Learn more.
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.
FARM NEWS & FEATURES:
Meet our Farm Team Cultivating Crops and Healthy Habits
Spanning 208 acres in Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce and a vital resource for the community. Each growing season, with help from 5,000 volunteers, The Farm produces over half a million pounds of fruits and...
We’re Incredibly Thankful for Our Volunteers on The Hunger Task Force Farm
Written by Stephen Poquette, Hunger Task Force Farm Volunteer Coordinator We're Incredibly Thankful for Our Volunteers on The Hunger Task Force Farm. We're incredibly thankful for our volunteers on the Hunger Task Force Farm (The Farm). The Farm relies on nearly 5,000...
Farming with the Future in Mind: The Benefits of Roller Crimping at The Farm
Written by Sarah Bressler, Hunger Task Force Farm Director At the Hunger Task Force Farm (The Farm), we’re always working to grow healthy food in a way that supports our community and the environment. This year, we’re excited to implement a second field trial that...
Jim McClure Supports Hunger Task Force Through Volunteering and Legacy Giving
Hunger Task Force relies on the generosity of nearly 15,000 volunteers every year to provide free and nutritious food for nearly 50,000 people in need who we serve every month. Since 2018, Jim McClure has been volunteering at the Hunger Task Force Farm (The Farm) in...
Winter Planning, Preparing and Growing at the Hunger Task Force Farm
At the Hunger Task Force Farm (The Farm), the work never stops – even in winter. While the fields may rest, The Farm team is hard at work ensuring the upcoming growing season is successful. Winter is the time for planning, prepping and growing and laying the...
Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture: Hunger Task Force Farm Director’s Insights from 2024 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show
Written by Sarah Bressler, Farm Director at Hunger Task Force. ------------------------ In late 2024, myself and two farmers from the Hunger Task Force Farm had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show in Madison, Wisconsin....
Hunger Task Force Reports Bountiful Harvest at The Farm in 2024
As the 2024 growing season wraps up at the Hunger Task Force Farm, we’re proud to report a bountiful harvest of over 500,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Thanks to the dedication of our farmers and Farm volunteers – who volunteered over 13,200 hours – this...
Hunger Task Force Farm Joins Heirloom Collard Greens Trial
Hunger Task Force is committed to expanding access to fresh, healthy food for Milwaukee families. This year, the Hunger Task Force Farm (The Farm) is partnering with the Hunger Relief Federation, Seed Savers Exchange and REAP Food Group to participate in a heirloom...
Farm-to-Food Bank: LFPA Purchasing Program is a Win-Win for Farmers and Families
Hunger Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to ending hunger in 2024 by investing in local agriculture through the USDA's Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. Since January, Hunger Task Force has purchased nearly $250,000 worth of fresh, locally grown food...
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, has spent nearly two decades working in Wisconsin agriculture. After running her own mushroom farm, Sarah began farming at Hunger Task Force. She is driven by her community ties and desire to make a...
Sustainable Practices Drive the 2024 Success of the Hunger Task Force Farm
As the 2024 growing season wraps up at the Hunger Task Force Farm, we’re proud to report a bountiful harvest of over 500,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Thanks to the dedication of our farmers and Farm volunteers – who volunteered over 13,200 hours – this...
Josh and Julia Gimbel Are Building a Legacy of Giving Back at the Hunger Task Force Farm
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,”...
Farm Fresh Produce Boosts Local Food Pantry
By: Sophie Bolich, Urban MilwaukeeOn a recent Friday morning at the House of Peace, community members stopped by to visit the on-site food pantry. Some paused to chat with Site Manager Linda Barnes, while others explored the center’s various resources. Regardless,...
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...
Why Hunger Task Force Farmer Jordan Leitner Left Legal Services to Become a Farmer
Spanning 208 acres in Franklin, Wisconsin, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a unique source of fresh produce that acts as a lifeline for the community. During the growing season, with help from nearly 6,000 volunteers, The Farm harvests more than half a million pounds of...
Partner of the Month: Milwaukee Waukesha Beekeepers Association | July 2024
Hunger Task Force isn't just Milwaukee Free & Local food bank – we're a community. We believe in the power of collaboration, and that's why we're thrilled to recognize our amazing supporters through "Partner of the Month," a platform to celebrate the incredible...
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)...
Farm-to-Food Bank: How Hunger Task Force Farm Combats Food Insecurity in Milwaukee
By: Sarah Bressler, Farm ManagerHey, fellow Wisconsinites! Sarah Bressler here, Farm Manager at the Hunger Task Force Farm. You might be familiar with Hunger Task Force's mission to end hunger in Milwaukee County, but what you might not know is the unique role our...
Hunger Task Force Delivers Farm-to-Shelf Produce
By: Patrick Paolantonio, WISN 12FRANKLIN, Wis. — It's a typical spring afternoon in Wisconsin. The sky waffles between sunshine and clouds. A cool breeze cuts through the trees as the wind mixes with the sound of chirping birds. On the branches, the first sign 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 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...
Empowering Women Leaders at the Hunger Task Force Farm: Celebrating Our Sarah’s on International Women’s Day
This International Women's Day, we're doubling the impact of "Sarahs" at the Hunger Task Force Farm. Let's celebrate the remarkable leadership of not one but two outstanding women, Sarah Bressler, Farm Manager and Sarah Christman, Farm Produce Manager, who are...
Guy Smith is Helping Plant Seeds of Change: Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee County Park’s Win-Win Partnership
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 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...
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...
Drought, Determination, and Dignity: How The Farm Overcame a Dry Season to Feed the Hungry
The 2023 growing season at the Hunger Task Force Farm brought both successes and challenges, highlighting the resilience and determination of the farm staff and the generosity of the community. The Farm is an integral part of Hunger Task Force’s mission to feed...
Hunger Task Force Receives $100,000 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant, Asks for Local Community Votes for Chance to Double Its Winnings
Cast Your Vote for the 2023 Community Choice Award Winner, Now Through August 14, 2023For the third consecutive year, Kubota Tractor Corporation has named five winners in its annual Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program. This year, the company is especially proud to...
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...
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...
Baird continues tradition of service during annual Baird Gives Back Week
Baird has been a supporter of Hunger Task Force for nearly 30 years. Founded in in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Baird is an employee-owned financial services company providing individuals, families and organizations with trusted advice and services to build financial...
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...
Hunger Task Force Farm 2021 Harvest Report now available online
2021 was a record-breaking year at The Farm. Over 500,000 lbs of locally-grown fruits and vegetables were harvested and distributed to Milwaukee's hungry. Hunger Task Force believes every person has a right to healthy food obtained with dignity and is committed to...
Friedens Operations Manager uses past work experience at Hunger Task Force to amplify impact at pantry sites
Located in the lower level of Hope House, an emergency shelter and rehousing facility, the Friedens Community Ministries food pantry aims to end hunger, working to ensure people can access the food they desperately need. Friedens operates a group of food pantries...
With the 2021 harvest season coming to a close, Hunger Task Force plans ahead at The Farm
A persistent issue facing all anti-hunger organizations is access to fresh produce. However, for Milwaukee, the Hunger Task Force Farm is a substantial source of fruits and vegetables for the local network of emergency food pantries and meal programs. The Farm has...
Additional harvest volunteers needed at Hunger Task Force Farm
As September approaches, harvest is in full swing at the Hunger Task Force Farm, and Hunger Task Force needs extra volunteers to get the job done. Located in Franklin, WI, The Farm engages 5,500 volunteers throughout a typical season, from planning to harvest. With...
Support the Hunger Task Force Farm – Volunteer. Tour. Give.
There are plenty of ways to support the Hunger Task Force Farm! Located in the suburb of Franklin, The Farm grows a wide variety of items to ensure hungry families have access to Free & Local produce. Consider taking a tour, volunteering your time or supporting...
Sarah Wisniewski & Kyle Koch of The Hunger Task Force Farm Feed A Community
Written by: Ben Covell, Farm Aid Guest Blogger “What sets this farm apart from others is the idea that the sole purpose of this farm is to help, feed, and provide healthy, nutritious, and fresh produce to local families who don’t have access to that kind of food,”...