Hunger Task Force announced it has purchased a 120,000-square-foot warehouse in West Milwaukee for its new headquarters.
The hunger relief organization is currently located at a 67,300-square-foot building at 201 S. Hawley Court in Milwaukee. Its new planned headquarters at 5000 W. Electric Avenue will provide the organization with more capacity as the pandemic has driven increased need for its services. The organization purchased the building for $6.7 million.
HTF said need for food has skyrocketed in Wisconsin over the past eight months, with the organization distributing 3.7 million more pounds of food compared to the same period last year, a 72% increase.
The new headquarters will house all HTF’s food, supplies, resources and staff, and the organization plans to raise funds next year to build a new freezer, cooler and additional office build-out.
The organization said its board of directors decided to move forward with the building purchase to ensure HTF is prepared for the winter months and beyond.
“This location will serve as our new headquarters, increasing our efficiencies to ensure we are the best stewards of our financial and volunteer resources,” said Sherrie Tussler, executive director. “Hunger Task Force has a rich tradition of serving the community with dignity and compassion. The new building increases our strength to serve.”
The task force has also expanded its statewide leadership during the pandemic as part of the Hunger Relief Federation of Wisconsin, which includes partner organizations from all 72 Wisconsin counties.
HTF has managed more than $13 million in statewide CARES Act funding, as it has helped coordinate the distribution of supplies and food products to partner organizations statewide.
The task force also leveraged funds – including donor contributions, and federal, state and county funds – to purchase and deliver 14 millions pounds of Wisconsin-made products and USDA Farmers to Families Food Boxes statewide.
“The Hunger Task Force model is unique in the nation. Keeping supplies of food ‘Free & Local’ throughout Wisconsin has been a strategic initiative of our organization,” Tussler said. “This new headquarters will allow Hunger Task Force to provide robust support to independent food banks, other anti-hunger organizations and tribal nations into the future.”
