Fox Cities News

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus and Milwaukee native, Rick Lewandowski, has dedicated the past two decades to ensuring that low-income seniors in Wisconsin have access to healthy food. Lewandowski, who serves as the senior services director at Hunger Task Force, oversees the distribution of Stockboxes to seniors in need across the state.

In a recent interview, Lewandowski shared insights into his journey and the impact of his work. Reflecting on his childhood aspirations, he expressed, "I was really into sports, and I was good at it so I thought I was going to play football or I could be a physical education teacher or a coach." Despite his initial career interests, Lewandowski credits his math instructor and football coach at UW Oshkosh for guiding him towards his current role, stating, "He taught us a totally different way to view math and different ways to figure out math problems."

Recalling his decision to attend UW Oshkosh, Lewandowski highlighted the influence of Coach Ron Cardo, who played a significant role in shaping his college experience. He emphasized the supportive environment at the university, mentioning, "It is small enough that you know everyone, but you also meet someone new every day."

Lewandowski's commitment to community service stems from his upbringing in Milwaukee, where his parents instilled values of generosity and compassion. He shared, "Our house has always been a safe place for my friends... I knew there were kids that didn’t have a way to pay for lunch. So, we’d pack extra sandwiches for them."

When asked about the impact of his education at UW Oshkosh on his current work, Lewandowski emphasized the invaluable skills he acquired during his time at the university. He stated, "My education at UW Oshkosh has given me the skill set that I use every day. I learned the value of leadership and passion and got the drive to never give up."

Through his role at Hunger Task Force and the distribution of Stockboxes, Lewandowski continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors facing food insecurity in Wisconsin.