Raising Awareness

The FEED MKE Pilot Project stems from efforts launched in 2019 when the City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity was established to tackle climate and equity challenges. With input from over 80 volunteers, the Task Force conducted research and helped shape the Milwaukee Climate and Equity Plan in 2023.

From this work, the Waste Reduction and Sustainable Consumption Work Group emerged, focusing on feeding the hungry and diverting methane-producing waste from landfills. This initiative evolved into the FEED (Food Excess, Equitable Distribution) MKE Coalition, which later partnered with the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) to launch the FEED MKE Pilot Project in June 2024. The project runs through May 2026.

Now underway, FEED MKE is managing Mini-Grant projects, leading Mayor Cavalier Johnson's Food Saver Challenge, and strengthening partnerships and collaborations. The team also raises awareness through newsletters, podcasts, workshops, and events—sharing practical tips on meal planning, smart storage, creative leftovers, and more.

Every step counts—join us in building a more sustainable Milwaukee!

ReFED – A Go-To Resource for All Things Food Waste

The ReFED Insights Engine

ReFED’s latest article explores the impact of household food waste and introduces an update to the ReFED Insights Engine (see below). We'll highlight key aspects of the Insights Engine in our upcoming quarterly FEED MKE Coalition meetings—join us!

FEED MKE Coalition Resources

Upcoming FEED MKE Coalition Events

The FEED MKE Coalition meets quarterly to collaborate on hunger relief and food waste reduction. We also host field trips, workshops, and events to engage with the community. Join us at our next meetings—details will be posted below.  All are welcome!

A Recent FEED MKE Coalition Field Trip

Last fall, the FEED MKE Coalition toured the MMSD Milorganite Processing Facility, joining Veolia and MMSD for an inside look at how Milwaukee transforms wastewater into a valuable resource.

For those unfamiliar, Milorganite combines MIL (Milwaukee), ORG (organic), and NITE (nitrogen). This process reclaims nutrients from wastewater to create a safe, organic fertilizer while improving water quality. Since 1926, over 10 billion pounds of waste have been diverted from landfills through this initiative.

While the current EPA wasted food scale considers greywater recycling a lower-priority solution to food waste, ongoing discussions with MMSD and EPA researchers suggest this perspective may evolve.

Check out the photos below for a glimpse into the process! If you'd like to schedule your own tour, contact Andi Kneeland, Manager of Communications & Community Relations at Veolia North America—a fantastic guide who generously shared her time and expertise with us.

FEED MKE Tri-Weekly Newsletter Issues

The FEED MKE Tri-Weekly Newsletter, sent every three weeks, shares updates on our efforts to fight hunger and reduce food waste. Browse past issues below and sign up to stay connected!

Coming Soon from FEED MKE