Where to find help for those in need during the COVID-19 closures

The coronavirus has shut down many of our community institutions and centers to help stop its spread. However, there are still many in this community that need help with finding work or just putting food on the table. Many are wondering with so many closures, where will they turn to now for help.

Well, the good news is that there are still many places offering assistance. However, many of the hours, locations, and even how it is distributed has changed. Here is a list of some of the organizations that are still providing help to those in need.

Food Stamps and WIC

Currently, both WIC and the food stamps program are still providing benefits during the coronavirus crisis. Also new enrollees are still being processed.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

While all the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee have suspended operation due to COVID-19, the meal continuation plan is is being executed at the following Club locations.

Early Meal Service Locations: These sites will serve lunch at 10:45-11:45 a.m. and dinner from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Daniels Mardak
4834 N. 35th Street
Pieper Hillside
611 W. Cherry Street
St Joseph Academy
1600 W. Oklahoma Ave. (No Dinner)

Late Meal Service Locations: These sites will serve lunch from 12:00 (Noon)- 1:00 p.m. and dinner from 4:15-5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday

Mary Ryan
3000 N. Sherman Blvd.
LaVarnway
2739 N. 15th Street
Davis
1975 S. 24th Street

Pre-packaged Breakfasts: Bag breakfasts will be handed out to all dinner participants during the dinner service times.

Please reference bgcmilwaukee. org for the latest information. Additionally, we ask that all meal distribution plan participants practice responsible social distancing while collecting their meals.

MPS School Meal Program

While Milwaukee Public Schools have been suspended until April, MPS is still providing school meals to those in need. Please scroll down for the complete list of locations and details. They are even providing learning materials to assist with at-home education.

Feeding American of Eastern Wisconsin

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s top priority is the health and safety of the families and individuals we serve, as well as food bank staff and volunteers. Feeding America is still determined to provide services to families in need. Please contact the Milwaukee office at 414-931-7400 for details on distribution locations.

Meals on Wheels

Three programs that deliver meals to home-bound elderly people in central and east central Wisconsin report that the coronavirus hasn’t affected demand and are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize the spread of the virus or infect clients. However it is recommended for you to contact you local program provider to see if and how coronavirus will impact the delivery of meals.

Vivent Health

Vivent Health food pantries will be closed for the remainder of this week. The food pantries will reopen the week of March 23, providing orders to patients via home delivery and pick-up. If you need food, please contact your local Vivent Health location for further instructions. The Milwaukee downtown office can be reached at (414) 223-6800 or (800) 359-9272.

Local churches

While many local churches are closing their doors due to the outbreak, many are still providing food pantry services for families in need. However, they may have altered hours, require an appointment, or even deliver. Please contact your church’s food pantry for details and availability.

The United Way

United Way has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. They will help with bill, rent and food. Call 1-866-211-9966 and provide your zip code, so they can connect you with local agencies to help you.

The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County

While many of the Salvation Army’s local services have closed their food banks are still open at the Milwaukee Citadel Corps and the Oak Creek food pantry will be open as well as all offices for emergancy service only.

Helping out

Many of the programs listed run on donations of food and money. If you are able to help out with either please do. Due to the outbreak many people will need meal services during the crisis and even more will need help after the crisis due to outbreak related layoffs. Please visit the organizations website or call their offices for more information on making donations of food or money.

MPS School Meal Program Breakfast and Lunch Distribution Sites:

ALBA
1712 S. 32nd St.

Barbee Montessori
4456 N. Teutonia Ave.

Bay View H.S.
2751 S. Lenox St.

Browning
5440 N. 64th St.

Douglas
3620 N. 18th St

Engleburg
5100 N. 91st St.

Gaenslen
1250 E. Burleigh St.

Hamilton H. S.
6215 W. Warnimont Ave.

MacDowell Montessori
6415 W. Mount Vernon Ave.

Marshall H.S.
4141 N. 64th St.

Morse
6700 N. 80th St.