Hunger Task Force holds annual turkey giveaway to area food pantries

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hunger Task Force is helping hometown families prepare for the holidays. The organization handed out more than 1,000 turkeys to dozens of partners in its network Friday, Nov. 15 -- something they do annually.

"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," said Matt King, Hunger Task Force CEO.

King says they've served more than 50,000 people across all their programs in just the last month.

Friday, the organization distributed more than 1,000 Thanksgiving turkeys and other food items to more than 60 food pantries and meal programs.

"We're really proud to be part of a community that cares and part of a community that wants to look out for each other," said King.

The goal is to ensure families and seniors can enjoy a holiday meal.

"It's a time families can get together, unwind, decompress and just be able to show love and gratitude of each and every one of them," said Sen-Soray Erving from Resources and Beyond, a new pantry partner.

Erving says partnering with the Hunger Task Force has been a big help to those they serve.

Volunteers from Zurn Elkay Water Solutions helped with the distribution and through the Turkey Ticker challenge, the company is matching donations made to Hunger Task Force through the end of the month.

"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," said Jennifer Clearwater, Community and Public Affair Manager for Zurn Elkay.

If you'd like to help families, click here. CBS 58 is also gearing up for its annual food drive in partnership with Hunger Task Force. It's happening Nov. 22 at American Family Field from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more here.