Leading organizations like Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee work tirelessly to distribute millions of pounds of food annually. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Milwaukee or the rural counties of west-central Wisconsin, these food banks are committed to fighting hunger and supporting the community with essential resources.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, operating out of two locations in Milwaukee and Appleton. They partner with over 400 food pantries, meal programs, and shelters to distribute millions of pounds of food annually. Their efforts focus on providing nutritious food to people in need, addressing the root causes of hunger, and advocating for policies that support food security.
- Location: 1700 W. Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53205 and 2911 W. Evergreen Drive, Appleton, WI 54913
- Service Counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Calumet, Outagamie, Brown, and more throughout eastern Wisconsin.
- Contact Number: (414) 931-7400 (Milwaukee) | (920) 202-3690 (Appleton)
- Website: Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Based in Madison, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin serves 16 counties across the southwestern part of the state. The food bank partners with over 300 agencies to provide access to nutritious food, with a significant focus on fresh produce and dairy. Since its founding in 1986, it has distributed nearly 241 million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
- Location: 2802 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718
- Service Counties: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, Marquette, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Vernon.
- Contact Number: (608) 223-9121
- Website: Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Feed My People Food Bank
Feed My People Food Bank, located in Eau Claire, is the only food bank serving west-central Wisconsin. It supports nearly 250 hunger-relief programs across 14 counties, distributing millions of pounds of food annually. Their mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry by providing food and resources to those in need.
- Location: 2610 Alpine Road, Eau Claire, WI 54703
- Service Counties: Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau.
- Contact Number: (715) 835-9415
- Website: Feed My People Food Bank
Hunger Task Force
Hunger Task Force is Milwaukee’s only free and local food bank, meaning all food is provided free of charge and stays within the local community. In addition to distributing food, they advocate for policies that address the root causes of hunger and offer nutrition education to promote healthy eating. Their services focus on ensuring that everyone has access to the food they need to live healthy lives.
- Location: 5000 W. Electric Avenue, West Milwaukee, WI 53219
- Service Counties: Milwaukee and surrounding areas.
- Contact Number: (414) 777-0483
- Website: Hunger Task Force
Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, located in Duluth, MN, serves northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It is the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, distributing food to partner agencies and directly to those in need through various programs, including mobile pantries and emergency food assistance.
- Location: 4503 Airpark Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55811 (serving northern Wisconsin)
- Service Counties: Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn in Wisconsin.
- Contact Number: (218) 727-5653
- Website: Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
How Wisconsin Food Banks Operate
Wisconsin food banks work as centralized hubs that collect, store, and distribute food to a network of local food pantries, shelters, and meal programs across the state. These food banks collaborate with local farmers, grocery stores, and national food suppliers to secure donations of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and non-perishable items. The food is then sorted, packed, and delivered to partner agencies, which provide it directly to individuals and families in need. Many food banks also run specialized programs, such as mobile pantries, senior meal services, and nutrition education initiatives, to address the specific needs of different communities. Additionally, Wisconsin food banks play a vital role in advocating for policies that promote food security and reduce hunger statewide.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Wisconsin
- Monetary Donations: Financial contributions are the most flexible way to support food banks. Every dollar donated can help provide multiple meals due to the food banks’ ability to purchase food at wholesale prices.
- Food Donations: You can donate non-perishable food items directly to your local food bank. Some food banks also accept fresh produce, dairy, and meat, depending on their storage capabilities.
- Online Donations: Many Wisconsin food banks offer online platforms where you can make secure donations via credit card or PayPal.
- In-Person Donations: You can drop off food donations at designated collection points or during food drives organized by the food banks.
- Workplace Giving: Some employers offer workplace giving programs, where a portion of your paycheck can be automatically donated to a food bank of your choice.
- Matching Gifts: Check if your employer has a matching gift program that doubles the impact of your donation.
- Fundraising Events: Participate in or organize fundraising events like charity runs, bake sales, or food drives to raise money for local food banks.
- Planned Giving: Consider including a food bank in your will or estate plan to leave a lasting legacy of support.
Importance of Wisconsin Food Banks
Wisconsin food banks are essential in the fight against hunger, ensuring that thousands of residents have access to nutritious food. They provide a critical safety net for individuals and families facing food insecurity, especially during times of economic hardship or natural disasters. By distributing millions of pounds of food annually, these organizations help reduce the burden on struggling households, allowing them to allocate their limited resources toward other essential needs like housing and healthcare. Additionally, food banks in Wisconsin contribute to the local economy by partnering with farmers and food producers, ensuring that surplus food is used to feed people rather than going to waste. Their advocacy efforts also play a significant role in shaping policies that support food security and address the underlying causes of hunger in the state.