Hunger Task Force

Since 1974, Hunger Task Force has been working to end hunger. With a network of more than 250 food assistance organizations throughout Wisconsin, the local food bank serves nearly 180,000 households every month. Most people recognize Hunger Task Force for its work providing free and healthy food to its network of emergency food providers throughout the state. Beyond that, Hunger Task Force works to end future hunger through public policy advocacy and community nutrition education.

“We believe in preserving the dignity of the people we serve,” says CEO Matt King. “One of the ways that we do that is by empowering people in our community to transcend their current crisis or circumstance.”

Every day, a team of advocates from Hunger Task Force connects people to federal nutrition programs that help older adults and families in need access healthy food. Nutrition educators are in the community weekly teaching students, older adults and families how to prepare healthy meals on a fixed income. In addition, the organization’s public policy and advocacy director regularly meets with elected officials to support vital federal nutrition programs at the state and federal levels. Voices Against Hunger is Hunger Task Force’s citizen advocacy group, promoting policies to end future hunger. “Whether they’re clients of one of our programs, volunteers at our organization or concerned citizens who want to be informed of policy issues, we keep people educated,” King says. “Then they develop and present opportunities for advocacy.”