Stomp Out Hunger drive at Summerfest benefits Milwaukee, the "second poorest city in the nation"



MILWAUKEE -- Bring three and get in for FREE! On Summerfest's opening day on Wednesday, June 24th, scores of people showed up at Maier Festival Park to Stomp Out Hunger! They donated at least three non-perishable food items -- and they got free admission to Summerfest. The Hunger Task Force, Johnson Controls and FOX6 News teamed up for this great cause.

"I love coming out here -- the food, the fun and people everywhere!" a Summerfest-goer said on Summerfest's opening day.

Stomp Out Hunger at Summerfest



Those filing into Maier Festival Park when Summerfest opened at noon on Wednesday were able to help the Hunger Task Force -- and their own bank accounts.

Sherrie Tussler



"Milwaukee is actually the second poorest city in the nation. We have a 43% child poverty rate here in the city of Milwaukee," Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force said.

As part of the Big Gig's annual Stomp Out Hunger food drive, in partnership with FOX6 News and Johnson Controls, from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, everyone who brought in at least three non-perishable food items got a free ticket to Summerfest!

"Last year we collected 53,000 pounds of food and in the last 10 years that we've been doing this we've collected 600,000 pounds of food," Bruce McDonald with Johnson Controls said.

That food goes to the Hunger Task Force. It will then be distributed to those in need in the Greater Milwaukee area.

This year, organizers hoped to collect even more food than last year.

Stomp Out Hunger at Summerfest



"With school out for the summer, the Hunger Task Force is especially looking for food items for kids -- like animal crackers and peanut butter," Tussler said.

FOX6's Ted Perry, Mary Stoker Smith, Brad Hicks and Stephanie Grady were on hand to encourage people to make a donation.

"It always feels good to help the cause and it's great to be with co-workers and my new friend Vicki from Johnson Controls," Perry said.

For many, the Stomp Out Hunger food drive has become a Summerfest tradition.

"I do this generally every year. It's pretty easy to come up with three canned goods from my pantry," Cindy Eiting said.

Each and every donation makes an impact on our community.

Stomp Out Hunger at Summerfest



If you were unable to take part in Wednesday's Stomp Out Hunger food drive and you would like to make a donation to the Hunger Task Force, you can do so by CLICKING HERE.

CLICK HERE to check Summerfest's lineup -- and to learn more about the 11-day festival.