'It would be harder': Hunger Task Force pantry partner serves hundreds of households each week

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- “It’s been pretty bad for myself and the kids," Milwaukee resident Joyce Brazil said.

Brazil lost her job last year.

“A few weeks before everything shut down," she explained.

Brazil has four children and came here to get food for her family.

She’s been to the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) pantry before.

"I appreciate what they do and what they’re doing for the community, as far as helping out the children – who are in need most," she said.

On average, the JCC serves between 80 to 150 households a week, throughout the year.

They’re partners of the Hunger Task Force.

Their support helps JCC staff serve like to do.

“The pandemic didn’t cause food insecurity but it also had made the resources very tight and so we rely on our partners to help us do what we need to do to help bring food to people who need it," Rabbi Shari Shamah, cirector of community programs & services at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, said.

On Thursday, a steady flow of vehicles kept pantry volunteers busy.

Resident Deborah Elliott said the JCC gives her one less problem to think about.

“I would have to do the best I could, you know? It would be harder for me," said Elliott.

The JCC serves the Metcalf and Imani Park neighborhoods, and also those who need kosher items.