I-94 construction threatens Hunger Task Force warehouse

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Hunger Task Force helps feed thousands of people every year. But road construction on I-94 could put the food pantry's work in jeopardy.

Donations to the Hunger Task Force come in daily. They're dropped off by people across the community and stacked within the Hunger Task Force warehouse. From there, the food is delivered to more than 80 soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in southeast Wisconsin.

But the location of the warehouse could be bulldozed if one proposed expansion of the I-94 corridor is chosen by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

"We are on Hawley Court and one of their options is to make Hawley Road right through our building.  So, it would destroy our building," said Maureen Fitzgerald, Director of Advocacy.

The food pantry would have to move to a secondary location about five miles away.

"Just in transportation alone, not talking about hours of work and all of that, it would cost an additional $60,000 a year," said Fitzgerald.

That's why the people who work at the food bank are asking the community to sign an online petition.

"The DOT needs to hear from people. It needs to know the impact on the community," said Gary Zajc of Hunger Task Force.

Officials with the Hunger Task Force will hand over the petition to the DOT in May at a meeting where design plans will be narrowed down.

The DOT tells FOX6 News there are many options on the table and officials are working closely with the Hunger Task Force regarding its concerns.

Construction will not begin until after the Zoo Interchange is complete.