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Welcome to our third issue of Table Talk! In this newsletter, we'll dive into:
- Our Board of Directors, Steve Pollock's story
- Recap of our latest events
- Strengthening our programs through grants and partnerships
- Gearing up for our next golf outing fundraiser!
| | Pull Up a Chair with the Chair: Steve Pollock, President of the Board of Directors | | |
Getting involved in the pantry wasn’t always Steve’s retirement plan. In his career, Pollock worked as a pharmaceutical researcher, often travelling between Milwaukee and Germany, where his employer was headquartered. “I really loved my job,” he told us. “Even in retirement, I thought I would do more consulting. But I realized I had a compelling need and desire to help those who needed it.”
The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic service organization whose guiding principles include charity and unity; values that Steve still lives by today.
When Pollock was elected Grand Knight, the highest-ranking officer in the organization’s council, Jim Luther (previous President of Jim Luther New Hope Center, now People’s Table), agreed to help him learn the role on one condition: that Pollock also help at the Center.
“First of all, I was voted in as Grand Knight at a meeting I wasn’t even at,” Pollock said with a laugh. “Boy, there was a lot to learn. Jim mentored me for a few years until we grew the organization enough to find a successor. Jim really held my hand during that time, which was super helpful. But it came with the condition that I help at the pantry.”
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When Pollock transitioned to part‑time work, he finally had the time to fulfill that promise. “I started out picking up bread donations on Fridays. This was in 2012.” By 2013, that led to picking up vegetables from farmers’ markets on Tuesday nights during the summer.
As Luther’s health declined, Pollock stepped in to take on more of the pantry’s leadership responsibilities. “It was a great learning opportunity,” he said. “To learn about nonprofits. What made them great, but also what could make them better.”
Pollock’s commitment to service was shaped by his family and his faith.
“Mom and dad always volunteered,” he said. “I remember them working at a mission in Racine, making box lunches for the homeless. They were always helping people who needed food.”
As a child, he served his church as an altar boy and later as a member of the Human Concerns Committee. At one point, he even considered becoming a priest, waiting for a sign that this would be his true calling. But other plans were in store for him.
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“I didn’t expect to enjoy the people so much,” he said. “This team of volunteers at People’s Table – being around people with such good intentions and so much love in their hearts – it really grows on you.”
As president, Pollock has found joy not only in serving the community but in watching volunteers grow into their roles.
“I kind of set the pantry up like a company,” he explained. “I empowered the volunteers, and as they took on more responsibility, you could see them become more comfortable. You could see them grow and feel good about what they were doing.”
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Looking back, Pollock sees his path as guided.
“I’m a firm believer with my Christian faith that as much as we think we have our path figured out, the good Lord smiles and says, ‘I have a better plan for you.’”
For Steve, that plan led him to People’s Table—a place where his leadership, compassion, and steady presence continue to shape the pantry’s mission and the community it serves.
| | This story was written in partnership with Don Becker, President of DBA Marketing, who helps us with behind-the-scenes work and has generously shared his marketing expertise with our team. Thanks, Don! | | |
2026 Unity Awards
(photos courtesy of Milwaukee Magazine's Facebook)
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The People’s Table is thrilled to share that Jack was among the recipients of Milwaukee Magazine's 2026 Unity Awards!
Since 2021, the Unity Awards have recognized a cohort of 6 changemakers who help to make Milwaukee a more vibrant, welcoming place for all.
This year, Jack has been recognized as a “Thinker” for leading an innovative program at People’s Table, called the People’s Food Collective, which aims to reduce food insecurity in the community holistically. The People’s Food Collectives are organized groups of families and individuals who work together to get healthy food, share resources, and build stronger neighborhoods. The program is member-driven, so that each individual has a sense of ownership in the process, and the support to transform their lives as a team.
He thanks the People’s Table community, including Collective Members, volunteers, donors, and supporters, for making this work possible. You can read more about the honorees online at Milwaukee Magazine’s website.
| Ham and Turkey Distribution | | Last Fall and Winter, we hosted our annual turkey and ham distributions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks to Hunger Task Force, Feeding America, Turkey Club, and our fantastic volunteers, we distributed 212 turkeys and hams to families in need! | | Froedtert's Community Investment Fund | | |
People’s Table was recently awarded a Community Investment Grant from Froedtert Hospital. The grant aims to support organizations that are advancing community health through collaborative and evidence-based practices targeting the priority health needs in Milwaukee County.
Funds from this grant will be put towards our innovative and member-run Food Collective programs. Food Collectives meet twice a month to sort and distribute a nourishing supply of food for participating families. Members share a potluck meal, learn new skills from community partners, and discuss neighborhood concerns and barriers to long-term food security. This grant will help us expand our program from two cohorts to four cohorts. By doubling this program, we will increase our impact from 40 families (120 people) to 80 families (240 people).
| Partnership with UWM Funded by Bader Philanthropies | | |
Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Bader Philanthropies, People's Table and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will embark on a rigorous, multi-site evaluation of our two Food Collectives. In 2021, a group of UWM researchers conducted a small study of our pilot site at St. Hyacinth, which found higher food security and higher rates of social connection among participants, compared to a small sample of traditional food pantry users.
Through interviews with clients, survey data gathering, and focus group sessions, this project will dive deeper and measure:
- Social connection of the participants
- Levels of economic security
- Levels of self-actualizing
This research is being conducted in partnership with UWM again, and we are grateful to have the following staff on our research team:
It is a strategic priority of People's Table to expand our Food Collectives so more families can forge a pathway to long-term food security. Data from this formal assessment will help us identify the strengths and areas of improvement of our Food Collectives and will ultimately ensure our program is mission-aligned.
| | Partnership with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin | | |
Thanks to our partnership with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, People’s Table is excited to offer nutrition education and cooking demonstrations to families in our Food Collective at St. Hyacinth!
Each quarter, registered dieticians will provide members with:
- cooking demos using accessible, everyday foods
- simple, tasty, and nutritious recipes
- ideas for balanced meals that fit members’ preferences and needs
- support from nutrition experts
Programs like these are essential to our mission of empowering community members. This nutrition education helps people invest in themselves and play an active role in their journey of self-growth.
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Mark your calendars for September 13th, when we will be hosting our second annual golf outing fundraiser!
Date: September 13th, 2026
Time: 8:00 am shotgun start
Location: Kettle Hills Golf Course
More details can be found HERE!
| | That's all for this issue! Thanks for reading :) | | | | |
