'It makes a huge impact': Hunger Task Force, Palermo's distribute 500 Easter dinner boxes to families in need

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- 500 families in need will be able to have a special Easter dinner, thanks to an important collaboration.

For the 17th year, Hunger Task Force and Palermo's are distributing 500 Easter baskets to their nearly 70 food shelf partners in the Milwaukee area.

The boxes contain a fresh ham with other nutritious foods, enough for a week of meals, and two Palermo's pizzas.

More than 500,000 pounds of food have been distributed over the event's 17-year run, and organizers say it's essential work.

"These special Easter bins that we're distributing, it makes a huge impact on the families who are receiving help," said Jonathan Hansen, chief strategy officer with Hunger Task Force. "Not only are they getting the healthy foods they need, but they're getting that special Easter meal, we're providing them with the hope and dignity at the holidays."

More than 100 Palermo's employees volunteered to pack the boxes and distribute them to the pantry partners.

We'll have a closer look at the process in an Easter Sunday feature on CBS 58 Sunday Morning.