In line with the spirit of giving ahead of Thanksgiving, the Hunger Task Force has embarked on a mission to ensure that underprivileged families in Milwaukee have access to the quintessential holiday meal. On a Friday in early November, the non-profit organization reportedly distributed more than 1,000 turkeys to an array of local food pantries and meal programs, as FOX 6 Now and CBS 58 described. Matt King, the Hunger Task Force CEO, emphasized the importance of the initiative, telling FOX 6 Now, "This is a huge time of the year for all of us. Our holiday traditions really center around that Thanksgiving meal, so a critical part of our mission is to make sure that local families in need over the holidays also have that experience of a holiday meal."
The Hunger Task Force initiative not only spreads joy but also responds to an escalating need within the community. In a statement obtained by CBS 58, Matt King noted a significant surge in demand, "This is a time of really high need. We've seen a 30 percent increase in visits to our food pantry network compared to the same time last year." The organization's outreach spans extensively, serving more than 50,000 people across its programs in the past month alone.
Supporting this cause, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions took part in the charity work through volunteering efforts. Moreover, through the "Turkey Ticker" challenge, the company is set to match turkey donations to bolster the Hunger Task Force's resources until the end of November. Jennifer Clearwater, Zurn Elkay's Community and Public Affair Manager, highlighted the alignment of the company's philanthropic values with the Hunger Task Force's cause, stating to CBS 58, "This time of year, is special for us…basic needs is one of the core philanthropic values of our company. Hunger Task for does that with a dignified approach."
In a synergistic effort to address food insecurity, the Brewers Community Foundation, in partnership with CBS 58 and Hunger Task Force, is hosting its 13th annual food drive at American Family Field. This tradition stands as a beacon of communal support, having collected nearly 1 million pounds of food and thousands of turkeys since its inception. The charitable event, according to a statement published by Urban Milwaukee, comes at a critical time amid rising food and living costs. Matt King was quoted saying, "Feeding people today and ending future hunger takes our whole community and we’re grateful for this longstanding partnership with the Brewers Community Foundation and CBS 58 to collect healthy food to provide more healthy holiday meals for those in need."
Generosity of this scale illustrates the wider community's commitment to assisting those in challenging situations, particularly during periods festooned with the promise of familial warmth and togetherness. For those interested in contributing to the Hunger Task Force’s efforts, donations are welcome, ensuring that families, seniors, can enjoy a holiday meal and cherish the season's spirit of gratitude.
