FEED MKE Pilot Project Collaborative Partners
Emergency Resources to Get Food Assistance Right Now
Food Pantries and Meal Programs
Open AllClose All Feeding America
Feeding America
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, serving 35 counties across Wisconsin. They distribute millions of pounds of food annually through a network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs. Their mission is to provide nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity while also addressing the root causes of hunger. Feeding America partners with local organizations, farmers, and businesses to ensure efficient food distribution and reduce food waste. They also work to raise awareness about hunger and advocate for policies that improve food access across the state.
Hunger Task Force
Hunger Task Force
Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee's leading nonprofit food bank, committed to ending hunger and improving food security in the community. They provide food to pantries, shelters, and meal sites across Milwaukee County and advocate for policies to address hunger and poverty. Hunger Task Force runs programs such as the Mobile Market, which delivers fresh produce and other essentials to food-insecure areas. They also offer nutrition education and collaborate with local organizations to reduce food waste and support sustainable food systems. Their mission is to ensure no one in Milwaukee goes hungry while promoting long-term solutions to hunger and food insecurity.
Interchange Food Pantry
Interchange Food Pantry
Interchange Food Pantry is a city-wide food pantry serving all Milwaukee residents in need. They are committed to ensuring equal access to healthy, nourishing food for everyone in the community. The pantry offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essentials to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. In addition to food distribution, they provide a welcoming environment that fosters dignity and support. Their mission is to create a stronger, more food-secure Milwaukee for all.
NourishMKE
NourishMKE
NourishMKE, formerly known as Friedens Food Pantry, operates the largest network of community food centers in Milwaukee. They provide free, high-quality food in welcoming spaces where individuals can also explore nutrition and well-being. Their pantries prioritize dignity and choice, allowing visitors to select food that meets their needs. Beyond food distribution, NourishMKE fosters community connections through education and volunteer opportunities. Their mission is to ensure every Milwaukee resident has access to nourishing food and supportive resources.
Kinship Community Food Center
Kinship Community Food Center
Kinship Community Food Center, formerly known as Riverwest Food Pantry, is a Milwaukee-based organization dedicated to combating hunger, isolation, and poverty. They operate an urban farm in Glendale, producing approximately 12,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. Additionally, Kinship runs the Kinship Café, a community-focused establishment offering scratch-made breakfast and lunch, while also serving as a workforce training program for individuals facing employment barriers. Through these initiatives, Kinship fosters community engagement and provides essential resources to Milwaukee residents.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates several food pantries across Milwaukee, providing assistance to individuals and families facing hunger. Their pantries offer a variety of nutritious food items, including fresh produce, canned goods, and other essentials. In addition to food distribution, the Salvation Army offers support services, including emergency assistance, case management, and referrals to other community resources. They aim to reduce food insecurity and help families regain stability. The Salvation Army's mission is to serve those in need with compassion and dignity while addressing the root causes of hunger.
Tikkun Ha-Ir Veggie Chop Shop*
Tikkun Ha-Ir Veggie Chop Shop*
Tikkun Ha-Ir / Tikkun Ha-Ir Veggie Chop Shop are part of a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization focused on promoting social justice and addressing the needs of underserved communities. They work to reduce poverty, hunger, and homelessness through direct services and advocacy. Tikkun Ha-Ir organizes community-building events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities to engage residents in efforts to improve the quality of life in Milwaukee. Their mission includes promoting equality, dignity, and access to basic resources for everyone, especially marginalized groups. Through their programs and partnerships, Tikkun Ha-Ir strives to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable community.
Ebenezer Stone Ministries Food Pantries*
Ebenezer Stone Ministries Food Pantries*
Ebenezer Stone Ministries is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization focused on serving individuals and families in need. They provide a variety of support services, including food distribution, clothing, and community outreach programs. Their mission is to empower and uplift marginalized individuals by offering resources that promote self-sufficiency and well-being. Ebenezer Stone Ministries is committed to meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of their community through compassionate care and assistance. They also work to foster a sense of community and belonging among those they serve.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and families facing poverty and hardship. They operate a network of food pantries across the city, offering free groceries and meals to those in need. In addition to food support, St. Vincent de Paul provides emergency assistance, including help with rent, utilities, and basic necessities. They also run a thrift store that supports their mission and fundraises for their various programs. The organization's compassionate approach focuses on restoring dignity and hope to those facing difficult circumstances.
The Gathering of SouthEast Wisconsin Meal Programs*
The Gathering of SouthEast Wisconsin Meal Programs*
The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. They offer a range of services, including meals, emergency shelter, and case management to help clients regain stability and independence. Through their outreach programs, The Gathering connects people to essential resources like healthcare, job training, and housing assistance. Their mission is to foster hope and dignity by addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable populations while working to reduce homelessness in the region. The Gathering strives to create lasting change by empowering individuals to improve their lives.
Jim Luther New Hope Center*
Jim Luther New Hope Center*
Jim Luther New Hope Center is a nonprofit organization in Milwaukee dedicated to providing food, clothing, and emergency assistance to individuals and families facing hardship. They offer a welcoming environment where people in need can access resources to help them through difficult times. In addition to food and basic necessities, the center provides support services like referrals to housing and employment opportunities. Jim Luther New Hope Center's mission is to restore dignity and hope to those experiencing poverty and homelessness by offering compassionate care and practical resources. They also work to build stronger, more resilient communities through outreach and volunteer programs.
Just One More Ministries Mobile Meal Outreach
Just One More Ministries Mobile Meal Outreach
Just One More Ministries is a nonprofit organization in Milwaukee dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families facing hunger and homelessness. They offer a variety of services, including food distribution, emergency shelter, and clothing to those in need. The organization also focuses on helping people achieve self-sufficiency by providing access to job training, housing assistance, and other community resources. Just One More Ministries is committed to meeting the immediate needs of vulnerable populations while empowering them to improve their lives. Their mission is to bring hope, dignity, and a fresh start to individuals and families in the Milwaukee area.
Hmong American Friendship Association
Hmong American Friendship Association
The Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA) plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity in Milwaukee by operating food pantry services for underserved communities, particularly the Hmong population. They provide culturally appropriate food to ensure that families have access to familiar and nutritious meals. HAFA works to reduce hunger by distributing groceries, offering meal programs, and connecting individuals to other resources for long-term food security. Their commitment to supporting the local community is a key part of their broader mission to empower and uplift immigrant and refugee families in the area.
Resources Focused on Children & Seniors
Open AllClose All FoodShare Program (SNAP)
FoodShare Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), locally called FoodShare, is funded 100% by the EPA and provides food buying power at the grocery store through a "Quest" EBT card. Eligibility is based on household income and size.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP) provides older adults with fresh, locally grown produce, while supporting Wisconsin farmers, markets, and farmstands. To join, you must be age 60 or greater (Native Americans can join at age 55), meet income guidelines and live in Wisconsin. Each member gets: five $9.00 checks that total $45.00 for each growing season (June 1 through October 31) to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in (or near) Wisconsin; education and tips for using fresh, local produce; and a list of farmers markets and farmstands where you can use your checks from June 1st through October 31st.
Senior StockBox (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)
Senior StockBox
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, locally called Stockbox, is monthly, free food for low-income seniors ages 60+ through Hunger Task Force. It includes cereal, milk, vegetables and fruit, pasta/rice, protein, fruit juice, meat, and cheese.
Infant Formula
Infant Formula
Hunger Task Force provides Infant Formula through its emergency food pantry network and strongly encourages enrollment in the Women, Infant and Children’s Program (WIC).
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to those with low incomes. TEFAP provides groceries for about three to five days, to supplement the food provided by food pantries. Amounts vary. TEFAP usually provides a variety of meat, dairy, pasta, beans, rice, and canned and fresh fruit and vegetables. This food is received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distributed by food pantries.
School Breakfast
School Breakfast
The School Breakfast Program provides states with cash assistance for non-profit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. All students may participate in the program once a school is enrolled, but prices and reimbursement rates vary by family income level.
Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Summer EBT
Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) provides families with financial benefits per each child to buy food in the summer. Eligibility is based on income, ability to be directly certified, or categorically eligible for free or reduced-price (FRP) school meals.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program
WIC Program
The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program offering education and supplemental nutritious foods. Low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and infants/children up to five years can participate at community and childcare centers.
Milwaukee's Neighborhood Choice Initiative (MCNI)
Milwaukee's Neighborhood Choice Initiative (MCNI)
Milwaukee's Neighborhood Choice Initiative (MCNI) is a City of Milwaukee project focused on helping the emerging area of Westlawn Gardens and the surrounding neighborhood on the northwest side of Milwaukee reach its full potential as a sustainable, green community with quality housing, schools, businesses, services, and amenities.
USDA Tribal Food Distribution Program
Tribal Food Distribution Program
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating Indian Tribal Organizations and state agencies to operate FDPIR.
WIC: Farmers Market Nutrition Program
WIC: Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) connects members of WIC (Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children) with Wisconsin farmers. WIC members get a check to spend at farmers markets. About 1,000 farmers are part of the program. To apply for WIC FMNP, contact your WIC office. To join WIC FMNP, you must be part of WIC and one of the following: pregnant, postpartum (Just had a baby), or have a child at least 9 months old.
Aging / Elder Nutrition Program
Aging / Elder Nutrition Program
The Aging / Elder Nutrition Program provides people aged 60 or with meals in senior dining centers (called Senior Dining), or with meals delivered to their homes. A map of Senior Dining Centers is found below:
Milwaukee Public Schools Resources for Children & Families
Milwaukee Public Schools Resources for Children & Families
Milwaukee Public Schools Resources for Children & Families lists agencies providing ongoing and emergency support for addressing hunger in the community. Some of these resources are available to the public – others are only available to MPS students and their families, but all will provide supportive services to the MPS community.