Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face.

Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face.

Fortner has been talking about the “perfect storm” hitting families hard for a couple months now, and with FoodShare benefits currently in question in Wisconsin, the challenge has only grown.

The Hunger Task Force is extending its virtual food drive through November with a $10,000 matching donation. If the drive brings in $30,000, one coordinator will get a pie in the face. If it reaches $50,000, Fortner herself will take a pie in the face. And we’ve even set our own goal — if $100,000 is raised, Fortner will have to do a TikTok dance.

Fortner, who has been with the Hunger Task Force for the past 18 years, also talked about the “little free food pantries” — similar to little free libraries — that are popping up, and how they might not always be the safest option.

While Fortner says they can stretch a $1 donation into $5 worth of food, for those who prefer to donate items, the most needed foods include tuna, peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, canned fruit, and cereal.

The Hunger Task Force is the only food bank between Madison and Rochester, distributing goods to 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth programs, and backpack programs throughout the region.

Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face.
Shelly Fortner, executive director of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, in studio to talk about food insecurity right now, they virtual food drive for November and hopefully getting a pie in the face.
Fortner has been talking about the &ldquo;perfect storm&rdquo; hitting families hard for a couple months now, and with FoodShare benefits currently in question in Wisconsin, the challenge has only grown.
The Hunger Task Force is extending its virtual food drive through November with a $10,000 matching donation. If the drive brings in $30,000, one coordinator will get a pie in the face. If it reaches $50,000, Fortner herself will take a pie in the face. And we&rsquo;ve even set our own goal &mdash; if $100,000 is raised, Fortner will have to do a TikTok dance.
Fortner, who has been with the Hunger Task Force for the past 18 years, also talked about the &ldquo;little free food pantries&rdquo; &mdash; similar to little free libraries &mdash; that are popping up, and how they might not always be the safest option.
While Fortner says they can stretch a $1 donation into $5 worth of food, for those who prefer to donate items, the most needed foods include tuna, peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, canned fruit, and cereal.
The Hunger Task Force is the only food bank between Madison and Rochester, distributing goods to 120 meal sites, food pantries, youth programs, and backpack programs throughout the region.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.