Golden Time Celebrating our Community

“In a world where there is a lot of things that are wrong, this is something that’s good and it’s something that’s right.”

That’s how Bob Hornacek summarized what has become a special tradition for Paul’s Pantry and his army of volunteers. They gathered around their leader who gave thanks for their time and for Sargento’s support. Those volunteers and staff at Paul’s Pantry andHunger Task Force look forward to our annual ‘Touchdowns for Hunger’ check presentations every year.

In Milwaukee, Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force, shared a similar message of praise.

“Sometimes things feel unpredictable, and this is a community that has remained steady. It’s a generous and kind community that shows up time and time again.”

King also shared a letter he received from a woman who had lost her job. She shared that she has three sons, and her pride was at an all-time low when she could no longer afford to feed them. She shared how Hunger Task Force was so kind and made it feel okay to ask for help. It ended with her saying how she is back on her feet, and now she plans to volunteer, and provide help in any way she can.

As Matt read this letter, volunteers wiped away tears, feeling an overwhelming sense of compassion.

“Louie (Gentine), thank you. Sargento’s support has allowed us to remain resilient. And not only that, but you’ve also adapted, innovated, and thanks to your support, we were able to help this woman, and so many others, from a position of strength,” said King.

One of those Hunger Task Force volunteers, Sheila Carter, who works at a Milwaukee senior center shares what Hunger Task Force means to her.

“Hunger Task Force means everything to me. We are so grateful to have their help at the Clinton-Rose senior center. We don’t know what we would do without the stock box program that they provide.”

Sargento marked our 23rd season of ‘Touchdowns for Hunger’ and Louie Gentine, CEO and Chairman presented our annual donation for this season so far to Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee and Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay. Based on 38 Packers TDs, our total was $76,000. Since the program began, Sargento has donated more than $1.9 million toward hunger relief in Wisconsin.

“This day is all about showing appreciation for all of the volunteers and what you do on a daily basis to help provide food to those in need,” said Louie. “Hunger Task Force is truly a leader when it comes to fighting hunger in Wisconsin and we are happy to be supporting putting meals on individuals and families' tables across the state."

This year’s first round NFL Draft pick for the Packers, Matthew Golden, also joined our celebration to thank the volunteers who serve on the frontlines of hunger. The attendees at both Hunger Task Force and Paul’s Pantry were so excited for to meet Matthew and get a photo or even an autograph. In Green Bay, the volunteers cheered “GO PACK GO” as he walked in.

“First off, I just want to say thank you for having me here, I’m blessed to be here. Thank you to everyone that is in here, your work does not go unnoticed. It’s so special what you are all doing here, giving back to families in need.”

Matthew then shared his own story.

“Growing up, I didn’t have a lot, and I’m sure I’ve been in a situation at some time in my life where me, my mom, my grandma, we needed help and we always had someone there to help. So for me, whenever I’m in this position of being able to help I want to do something for others.”

The event got amazing coverage from local news sources, reaching an estimated audience of over 3.7 million people across the Milwaukee and Green Bay television markets.

King closed out the event in Milwaukee, “The work we do in the community is only possible with the commitment and unwavering support of Louie and the Sargento Family. As a token of appreciation, we got you a couple of gifts.” King surprised Louie with a blanket, reading ‘If you can read this, bring me cheese’, which brought laughter to the room, and a blue Hunger Task Force jacket. As Louie put on the jacket, volunteers clapped and cheered, excited and thankful for the support from the Sargento Family.

To close out a day filled with Community Outreach, Bob showed his appreciation one more time; “Thank you to the Sargento Family for continuing this important work and making sure it continues for days, weeks, months, and years to come. God bless you.”