'Demand has skyrocketed:' Hunger Task Force new HQ 5 times the size

WEST MILWAUKEE, Wis. - As the need for food increases during the coronavirus pandemic, so does the need for more space, with the Hunger Task Force purchasing a warehouse five times the size of the organization's current location. Leaders say it'll help with efficiency during a time when demand is greater than ever. 

"Over the last eight months, food demand in Wisconsin has skyrocketed," said Sherrie Tussler, executive director. 

The Hunger Task Force has delivered 14 million pounds of food across the state.  "We’ve been buying Wisconsin food products and distributing them," said Tussler. "We have a need for more space to put that food, and a need across the state to help other families.”

Sherrie Tussler

The pandemic has sped up that need for space, with a building in West Milwaukee the food bank's answer.

"We bought 120,000-square-foot warehouse which is going to be the brand new headquarters of the Hunger Task Force," said Tussler.

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The new building means all food, supplies, resources and staff under one roof, and a spot set aside for volunteers. 

"What it means is that we won’t have to put food in our parking lot," said Tussler. "We have a parking lot filled with trailers. We won’t have to store food off-site and pay for that, and so, we’re going to be far more efficient with donor resources."

As the food bank continues to provide hunger relief, this building serves as a relief, too. 

"We have ordered 20 semi loads full of prepacked boxes for families and those will be located here awaiting their final destination," said Tussler.

By this time next year -- the Hunger Task Force hopes to have everyone working out of the new location and settled in.