A team of MPS staff distributes lunches after schools closed due to COVID-19. (File photo by Adam Carr)
COVID-19 is still making its way around Milwaukee as we enter summer, making movement difficult and grocery stores less accessible. We’ve updated our list of food pantries and meal programs where residents can access free food.
Note that this is not a complete list, and times and locations may have changed by the time you read this. Please call before visiting a site. We want to keep this list updated. If we have missed a resource, let us know by emailing your information to info@milwaukeenns.org with “meals” in the subject line.
Aggregated resources
The Hunger Task Force has created an interactive map complete with food pantries, MPS meal sites, non-MPS meal sites, meal sites for seniors and more. The map is updated daily but call the location before you visit to make sure it is still open.
Feeding America also has an interactive map of food pantries and meal programs located across eastern Wisconsin. The map is updated regularly but call the location before you visit to make sure it is still open.
Use the 2-1-1 Wisconsin website to find the food pantry in your neighborhood.
Call Impact at 2-1-1, which can connect you to food pantries and meal programs. You can also text your ZIP code to TXT-211.
Meal sites for young people 18 and under
The Milwaukee Center for Independence plans to add to the locations currently listed in the Hunger Task Force’s map, though at this time leaders cannot say where those locations will be. Updates on times and locations can be found in the Hunger Task Force’s map.
At this time, Milwaukee Public Schools cannot provide specifics about where and when it will provide meals for people under 18 this summer. Since closing school buildings in March, MPS has run its “Stop, Grab, and Go” program. Current hours and locations for these services can be found on MPS’ website or on the Hunger Task Force’s map.
Some choice schools will also be running their own meal programs for young people. Some of these sites are listed in the Hunger Task Force’s map. Call your school and schools in your surrounding area to ask if meal programs will be offered this summer.
Faith-based organizations
The Gathering is continuing to provide to-go meals for the foreseeable future, but it does not plan to restart its hot meal service in the coming months.
The Gathering plans to operate at four locations this summer:
Running Rebels, 1300 W. Fond du Lac Ave. (Monday-Friday breakfast 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Near South Side, 724 S. Layton Blvd. (Monday and Wednesday dinner 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Our Next Generation Neighborhood Center, 3421 W. Lisbon Ave. (Saturday lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 8424 W. Center St. (second and fourth Saturday lunch 11:30 a.mm to 12:30 p.m.)
Friedens Community Ministries has temporarily closed its Coggs pantry location, but continues to operate its other pantries at Despensa de la Paz, 1615 S. 22nd St.; Hope House, 209 W. Orchard St.; and Zion Rock, 10230 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Click the links for hours of operation.
Doorway Ministry will continue distributing bag lunches Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. and 1:30 pm at 2461 W. Center St.
Capuchin Community Services is still running its emergency food pantry every Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St. Anyone with an ID and a proof of residence can be served.
Grocery delivery and mutual aid options
Metcalfe Park’s “Be the Bridge” mutual aid collective will continue to distribute food and supplies monthly to Metcalfe Park residents who sign up for continued donations. Residents can sign up for donations online or by texting Melody McCurtis at 414-488-5582.
Ayuda Mutua will be continuing its distributions, but at this time is asking residents to consult its Facebook page for updates regarding their services this summer.
Want to volunteer or support?
Feeding America is looking for volunteers to help sort food and process donations. You can sign up to volunteer through Feeding America’s website or email psoma@feedingamericawi.org
The Gathering is looking for volunteers to help sort and distribute meals. Anyone interested, should email soulfood@thegatheringwis.org
Friedens Pantry is looking for volunteers. Interested volunteers can sign up through Friedens’ website.
Doorway Ministry is looking for volunteers. Interested volunteers can sign up by filling out an application.
Metcalfe Park’s “Be the Bridge” mutual aid collective is currently looking for volunteers and donations. You can sign up to volunteer here. The collective is also looking for monetary and in-kind donations. Non-perishable food items, gloves, and soap are most needed at this time. You can donate money online or drop off in-kind donations at 3624 W. North Ave. on Fridays between 11 am and 5 pm. Call or text Melody McCurtis at 414-488-5582 if you plan on making an in-kind donation.
Ayuda Mutua is currently looking for monetary and in-kind donations. You can donate monetarily via Paypal.me/cosecha13 or via Venmo at @cosecha13, or drop off in-kind donations at 1115 S. 7th St. on Mondays and Fridays between 12-3 pm. Most-needed items are posted regularly on their Facebook page.
Sam Woods is a staff reporter primarily covering education in Milwaukee. When not reporting for NNS, Sam produces the Bridge the City podcast,a podcast that brings together people, resources, and ideas that inspire Milwaukee to action, with a reach of over 6,000 monthly subscribers across all podcast platforms.
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