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
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
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to be connected to someone who can help. In anticipation of increased call volume, you can also access resources by visiting the IMPACT 2-1-1 website.
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 emergency 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.
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.
