MILWAUKEE — With the rising costs of food and groceries, many people are looking at finding creative ways to stay within their budget when it comes to stocking their pantries
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 9% of households with adults 65 and over were food insecure in 2022.
Hunger Task Force helps feed thousands of seniors each month and has innovated the way it helps seniors access its food services.
The organization started the Stockbox DoorDash program back in 2021. It came about after Hunger Task Force said it realized the need for better accessibility for low-income seniors during COVID.
The program brings a large box of food each month to the doorstep of low-income seniors throughout the state of Wisconsin, in partnership with DoorDash.
In its first year, it sent out 500 boxes a month to seniors in need. Since then, the program has grown and now, Hunter Task Force is working to deliver 1,900 boxes per month.
“Hunger Task Force serves over 10,000 seniors a month with the Stockbox program,” Hunger Task Force Chief Strategy Officer Jonathan Hansen said. “Seniors are challenged by transportation issues. They are challenged by mobility issues. They have fixed incomes and low incomes.”
Zina and Andrew Alexander call West Milwaukee home. Zina Alexander is a disabled veteran and said sometimes it’s hard to get out of the house to get the groceries they need.
The couple has been using the Stockbox DoorDash program for the past three years.
“We use this to subsidize, to help stretch our food budget,” Zina Alexander said. “With having food share and everything, it makes everything easier for us. With us being seniors, and I am a disabled veteran, it makes everything easier for us.”
The couple said having access to a program like this is invaluable and helps to keep their food budget where it needs to be.
“We utilize this as our base and then we build upon what we have here,” Zina Alexander said.
She said being able to access healthy and reliable meals makes a big impact on their lives. It’s also something Hunger Task Force strives for in their mission.
“Providing these foods through Stockbox DoorDash directly to the doors of these seniors helps them stay healthy into those senior years,” Hansen said.
Andrew Alexander said he knows the impact the program has made on their lives and can only imagine other seniors across Wisconsin are feeling the same impact.
“It’s a blessing,” Andrew Alexander said. “We are very grateful to receive a box every month. And I know it’s a blessing for everyone else who receives it too.”
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