By Kathy Gaillard
It’s been said that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Apparently that old adage rings true for Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Hunger Task Force. She acknowledges that she enjoys going to work every day and that joy is evident when she talks about Hunger Task Force. Her passion for serving food insecure families is heartwarming, contagious and has served the community well.
For the past 25 years Tussler has been the driving force behind Hunger Task Force, substantially raising the organization’s profile, expanding its services and programs, securing corporate partners, engaging in statewide initiatives, and even operating a farm in Franklin, WI that provides healthy and nutritious food to residents.
Hunger Task Force, Inc. is a non-profit, anti-hunger public policy organization in Milwaukee. The organization works to end hunger in Milwaukee County by providing direct food delivery services and works to end future hunger by advocating for fair and responsible administration of federal nutrition assistance programs.
“When I was hired by Hunger Task Force, the organization was in a bit of trouble and did not have enough money or food to meet the needs of Milwaukee County. The budget was about $1.5 million a year and now it’s substantially more. We have also taken on statewide initiatives in 17 distinct locations across Wisconsin, where we serve food pantries and tribal nations.
“As I look back over my life and think about how much I love my job, I know that I am doing what I was supposed to do. I initially thought I would become an art teacher, but the world takes you in other places,” said Tussler.
One of the projects Tussler is most proud of is Hunger Task Force’s farm. In 2012, the organization signed a historic, 30-year lease with Milwaukee County Parks, which allows Hunger Task Force farmers to operate more than 200 acres of farmland in Franklin, Wisconsin and natural areas. With the help of six employees and hundreds of volunteers, Hunger Task Force grows more than 25 different varieties of fruits and vegetables each season to feed children, seniors and families in the community. The Farm infuses half a million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables into food banks, enhancing the nutrition of those who normally rely on canned or nonperishable foods. Produce grown on The Farm includes peppers, tomatoes, corn, watermelon, beans, spinach, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears and more. Hydroponic produce is grown during the winter months.
“Very few food pantries exist that actually grow healthy foods. The minute we were able to get The Farm and grow one-half million pounds of food annually, it changed the course of the kinds of foods that we give to people and improves public health, one person at a time.
“There’s such a variety to the work that we do at Hunger Task Force. We have the farm, mobile market, and I have the opportunity to meet with leaders of tribal nations. I’m always meeting new people and influencing how they get access to healthy food,” said Tussler.
Innovation and outside-the-box thinking have helped make Hunger Task Force a national model. For example during the covid-19 pandemic, Door Dash food delivery reached out to Tussler to support food delivery since senior centers and meal programs were closed.
“We continue to dash food to about 1,200 seniors who are unable to come out. Coming out of pandemic, there’s a lot of hope. We are resilient people and we can figure stuff out. We can all make a difference in other people’s lives if we just chip in and do our part,” said Tussler.
And while she didn’t pursue a career as an art teacher, Tussler enjoys rehabbing houses and “painting them pretty colors because it makes me happy,” she said.
The Milwaukee community is grateful and all the better that Tussler has found her niche serving this community through Hunger Task Force. Her efforts paint the picture of a true diamond.
For more information about the Hunger Task Force, visit their website www.hungertaskforce.org
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