Touchdowns for Hunger: Packers, Sargento raise more than $1.8M toward food pantries since 2003

 

WEST MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A former Green Bay Packers player stopped by a Milwaukee-area food pantry Tuesday, celebrating a program that helps families across the state.

Packers' alum Gary Ellerson stopped by Hunger Task Force to thank dozens of volunteers, for the 21st anniversary of Touchdowns for Hunger.

"Your volunteerism to make this happen for people in need is absolutely incredible," Ellerson said.

For each Packers touchdown during the regular season, Sargento donates $2,000 to fight hunger in Wisconsin.

"We feel like if we can provide meals to those in need, it can help solve a lot of the other issues that people may be facing," said Louie Gentine, CEO of Sargento.

Of each $2,000 donation, $1,300 goes to Hunger Task Force.

"That money, because we are free and local, helps us buy the foods that don't get donated," said Hunger Task Force CEO Sherrie Tussler.

Sargento presented a check to Hunger Task Force for $45,500 on Tuesday.

Tussler said Touchdowns for Hunger has made a significant impact, donating $1.8 million since 2003.

"$1.3 million has come to the Hunger Task Force. The remainder of the $1.8 million has gone to Paul's Pantry, our partner in the city of Green Bay," Tussler explained.

Toasting to 21 years, the celebration honored volunteers for their efforts addressing food insecurity.

"Restoring justice and restoring dignity, I think, is something that gets me out of bed in the morning," said volunteer, Jack Bolog.

With the holidays approaching, Tussler reminds there's always a need for help.

"The amount of people visiting food pantries has doubled since the end of the pandemic, and so the demand has increased," Tussler said.

"This is really something that's necessary in the community," Bolog said.

If you'd like to donate, Tussler noted breakfast cereal and milk donations are most needed right now.

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