We’ve updated our list on where you can get free food or low-cost meals | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
October 5, 2021
If you’re hungry, help is available in many forms. For example, you can use FoodShare to buy produce at farmers markets like the Fondy Farmers Market, pictured here. (File photo by Andrea Waxman)
If you or someone you know needs food, here is information on where to find food pantries, meal distribution sites, meals for children and more.
We update this information regularly.
Do you know of a resource that is not listed here? Text “MKE” to 73224 and let us know or email info@milwaukeenns.org.
Find a food pantry near you
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
If you are looking for food now, the best place to start is by using the following resources. These resources can connect you to food pantries and meal sites within your ZIP code.
The Hunger Task Force has created an interactive map complete with soup kitchens, MPS meal sites, non-MPS meal sites, mobile markets, meal sites for seniors and more. You can search by ZIP code or by resource type to find what you are looking for at a location near you. The map is updated daily, but call the location before you visit to make sure it is still open.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin also has an interactive map of food pantries and meal program. The map is updated regularly but call the location before you visit to make sure it is still open.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin also has a map of farmers markets that take Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, credits. You can learn more about the WIC program here.
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 in your area. You can also text your ZIP code to TXT-211.
You can also text “MKEfood” to 73224 to connect with one of our reporters about food resources.
Do I need a photo ID to go to a food pantry?
For some, yes. This is because some pantries are required to verify that you live in the area they serve. However, not all pantries require an ID.
If you are not sure if you need an ID, call the food pantry directly or text “MKE” to 73224 and a reporter can get you the information you need.
Other free food options
Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church is serving 300 free meals every Saturday outside of Damascus Gate restaurant, located at 807 W. Historic Mitchell St. Distribution starts at 11 a.m. and continues while supplies last, usually until noon. The Rev. Karen Hagen said this service will continue through the end of October.
The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center will be giving away free produce every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in its parking lot at 930 W. Historic Mitchell St. Produce is grown at the center’s Native Wellness Garden. Products vary and are available on a first come, first serve basis. The giveaways will continue every Wednesday into October. For more information, call 414-316-5011.
Pay-what-you-can
Some restaurants and grocery stores allow customers to pay what they can, even if that is $0. However, there is often also a suggested price or way to donate for those who want to support these efforts.
Tricklebee Café, located at 4424 W. North Ave., is a community cafe offering vegan and gluten free options. The café is open for dine-in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Call 414-488-2477 to order for pickup.
greater good(s) MKE, located at 5205 W. North Ave., is a pay-what-you-can produce store open every Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.
Victory Garden Initiative, or VGI, is a food justice nonprofit and urban farm based in Harambee. In addition to other programming, VGI hosts a pay-what-you-can farmstand. All food at the farmstand is grown at VGI’s farm across the street. You can count on the stand to be set up every Friday from noon to 3 p.m.
VGI also maintains a pay-what-you-can “u-pick” system in which people are encouraged to head across the street to pick their own vegetables at their farm. U-Pick is scheduled for Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both events continue through Oct. 29 and are located at 249 E. Concordia Ave. Staff will be present to assist as needed. Donations are accepted.
Emerald City Catering, located at 3555 S. 13th St., said that people can call to reserve leftover meals or meals made with extra produce the company did not use. Meal prices will be pay-what-you-can. Call 414-672-3434 anytime between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday to inquire about pay-what-you-can options.
MKE Good Food Bus is a mobile food truck that offers produce on a pay-what-you-can scale. Cash, PayPal, Venmo and CashApp accepted. Text 414-367-9459 for the exact location of the truck. The truck will generally be in these neighborhoods on the following days:
Get free or low-cost food delivered to you
For those who are 60 or older, Meals on Wheels will deliver meals to you and anyone living with you who also qualifies. You can view eligibility requirements and apply here and view this month’s menu here.
Additionally, for those 60 or older and/or have a qualifying disability in the 53204, 53205, 53206, 53215, 53223, 53224 and 53225 ZIP codes, Friedens Community Ministries will deliver food from one of its four pantries. Call 414-289-6030 to sign up.
Get money for food
Those making less than the maximum income requirements can get EBT credit to buy food through Wisconsin’s FoodShare program. You can check to see if you are eligible here, and instructions on how to apply here.
Parents of children who receive free or reduced-price school meals may also be eligible to receive credit to buy food through Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT. Three P-EBT programs focused on school age children, children under 6, and summer meals respectively. You can view eligibility for each program here.
If you have not received P-EBT for last school year (2020-21) but believe you might be eligible, call 833-431-2224 before Oct. 8.
If you are eligible but have not received any funds or a letter saying you are eligible, call 833-431-2224 and email PEBTsupport@wisconsin.gov.