Through the installation of a rooftop solar array, Hunger Task Force (HTF) is advancing sustainability while maximizing its ability to serve Milwaukee families with justice and compassion. As Milwaukee’s Free and Local food bank and Wisconsin’s leading anti-hunger organization, HTF is home to a food bank, farm, Mobile Market, and a bevy of direct service programs. It also serves as a hub for anti-hunger advocacy, education, resources, and community partnerships. In this way, HTF works to ensure that every person has access to healthy food obtained with dignity by distributing healthy food today while advocating for policies that build a hunger-free tomorrow. Guided by its core values of justice, compassion, equity, stewardship, and dignity, the organization embraced solar energy as a way to live out its mission and direct more resources toward feeding kids, families, and seniors across the community.
In 2022, Hunger Task Force transitioned to its new headquarters on West Electric Avenue, completing an extensive remodel that included its first rooftop solar installation. Building on that foundation, the organization has now expanded its clean energy efforts with the installation of 465 new solar panels. This project significantly reduces energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels while reinforcing HTF’s role as both a hunger relief leader and an environmental steward. Beyond solar, the organization continues to improve efficiency through LED lighting, smart HVAC, and Energy Star refrigeration to further its commitment to sustainability, public health, and community resilience.
Hunger Task Force's Energy Upgrades
With the help of Arch Solar, Hunger Task Force installed 465 rooftop solar panels (165 for Phase I and 300 for Phase II). This array has a capacity of 265 kilowatts and has an annual output of approximately 202,000 kilowatt-hours. This installation offsets the facility’s current energy consumption by 40%, and since it was commissioned, the system has avoided 172 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The project is expected to save the Hunger Task Force $29,160 in annual energy costs and covers over 65% of the facility’s monthly energy needs in peak production months.
Hunger Task Force's Funding Sources
Through a combination of private donations, grant funding, and federal incentives, Hunger Task Force received a total of $364,035 out of a total solar project cost of $451,468 in support of its solar project. Many of these funding opportunities are available to other Wisconsin nonprofits.
Solar for Good: The Solar for Good program provides solar panels and canopy grants to nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin. Through generous funding from the Couillard Solar Foundation, the Solar for Good Program helps Wisconsin’s food pantries, like Hunger Task Force, achieve their renewable energy goals. Solar for Good donated both panels and cash funds for the project, valued at approximately $48,237 for both project phases. To learn more about the Solar for Good program, reach out to solarforgood@renewwisconsin.org.
Elective Pay: Through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and local governments, are eligible to receive a one-time payment for certain clean energy projects after they are completed. Hunger Task Force anticipates a 40% tax credit for installing its solar system, providing $110,385 in funding through elective pay.
Focus on Energy: Hunger Task Force received $20,413 through the Focus on Energy incentives for installing solar. Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for various clean energy and building efficiency projects.
Private Donors & Internal Investment: The project was also supported through generous private contributions and the Hunger Task Force’s own capital investment, demonstrating the community’s commitment to sustainable hunger relief.
Sauk Prairie School District's Power Playbook
For food pantries interested in pursuing a similar clean energy project, Hunger Task Force offers some powerful advice:
- Complete your project in phases if necessary. Starting with a smaller, more affordable installation makes project execution easier and shows proof of concept to project stakeholders. Once the community sees the success of the smaller array, it will be easier to get support for an expansion of the project.
- Plan carefully for system expansion. Moving from an initial installation to a larger, scaled-up system requires thoughtful coordination and design adjustments. Re-engaging your installer early in the process helps ensure seamless integration with the existing system.
- Stay proactive during permitting and inspections. Local permitting and inspection requirements can sometimes extend project timelines. Maintaining consistent communication between your contractor and local authorities can help keep the process on track and minimize delays.
- Build flexibility into your schedule for seasonal weather. Weather conditions may affect installation timelines. A flexible schedule and clear communication within the project team will allow work to move forward efficiently while accommodating weather-related changes.
Contact and Resources
Contact Info: For more information about this project. Please reach out to Hunger Task Force’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jonathan Hansen, at jonathan@hungertaskforce.org.
Acknowledgments: Hunger Task Force would like to thank the following for their dedicated support on this project:
- Arch Solar: Installed both project phases and managed design, permitting, installation, and inspections
- Internal Operations & Facilities Teams: Coordinated logistics and ensured smooth integration into building operations
- Supporters: Matched grant funds and championed the project’s sustainability mission