Did you know one in six kids will go hungry during the summer months? A study from UW Madison shows a big reason behind those numbers is the loss of reliable meals provided during the school year. As food insecurity continues to rise across Wisconsin, Hunger Task Force recently received a $2.5 million grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). It’s meant to expand efforts to connect local farmers with families facing hunger.
The nonprofit is based in Milwaukee, but serves communities across the state through a network of more than 180 partner organizations. Hunger Task Force will use the funding to purchase fresh, Wisconsin-grown food from small and mid-sized farms and distribute it free of charge to food pantries, tribal nations, and emergency feeding organizations.
“We’re honored to administer this program because it supports two critical needs at the same time,” Jonathan Hansen, Chief Strategy Officer for Hunger Task Force said. “We’re investing in Wisconsin agriculture while ensuring families have access to healthy, locally produced food.”
Growing Need Across Wisconsin
The grant comes as demand for food assistance continues to climb. Hunger Task Force currently serves nearly 180,000 people each month. Hansen said pantry visits increased by more than 50 percent the past two years.
Rising grocery prices, housing costs and utility bills continue to strain household budgets. And during the summer months, the challenge becomes even greater as children lose access to school meal programs. It’s all led to the increase in demand at local food pantries.
Supporting Wisconsin Agriculture
The grant is part of Wisconsin’s state-funded food purchasing initiative designed to strengthen local food systems while expanding access to nutritious food.
Hunger Task Force officials expect to work with more than 125 Wisconsin producers, including beef, pork, dairy, cheese and vegetable farmers. A key component of the program is its focus on supporting small and mid-sized agricultural operations throughout the state.
The organization is also partnering with the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, a network of approximately 150 farmers that helps distribute locally produced food efficiently to communities across Wisconsin.
“Together, this partnership creates a stronger supply chain while increasing opportunities for local producers to reach families in need,” Hansen explained.
Building on Proven Success
The new initiative builds upon the longstanding “Connecting Farms to Families” approach.
The idea started when the federal Local Food Purchase Assistance Program ended unexpectedly in early 2025. Hunger Task Force stepped in with $250,000 in private funding to continue purchasing crops from farmers who had already planted for the season. That commitment became the organization’s Farm to Food Bank Fund, which now helps leverage both public and private investments to expand local food purchasing.
“This funding allows us to continue supporting Wisconsin farmers while providing fresh, nutritious food to families who need it most,” Hansen said.
Community Support Remains Essential
Hunger Task Force remains a 100 percent community-supported organization, though the state grant helps expand its efforts. Private donations fund daily operations, transportation, food purchases and other essential services.
The organization also relies on approximately 15,000 volunteers each year to pack food boxes, and distribute meals. They also help operate its Franklin farm, by planting, growing, and harvesting nearly 500,000 pounds of fresh produce annually.
Hanson says whether its financial contributions, volunteer service or advocacy, community support continues to be critical to addressing hunger across Wisconsin.
“This program is truly a win-win,” he said. “It strengthens Wisconsin agriculture, supports local farmers and ensures families have access to healthy food. Together, we can continue building stronger communities across the state.”
Find more information about the Connecting Farms to Families program, volunteer opportunities or how to support the work of Hunger Task Force on its website here.
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