Fortner on food insecurity as Hunger Task Force La Crosse gets matching November donation — and some fun incentives

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.