At Outpost we know there is a possibility SNAP (FoodShare in WI) may be temporarily inaccessible or reduced on or after November 1st. For those who rely on SNAP to access groceries, even a short disruption can mean difficult choices to make about food, bills, and other essentials.

Food insecurity is a reality across our communities. In Wisconsin, 60% of SNAP benefits support families with children, 36% support an older adult or an adult with a disability, and 6% support households with veterans. In Milwaukee County, 45% of FoodShare benefits support families with children, and between 31 - 41% of households support and older adult or an adult with a disability.

No one place, zip code or neighborhood is exempt. It is a shared experience that touches us all in some way. We can show care through our actions toward each other by being understanding, patient, and connected.

Together, we can uphold our cooperative values by centering compassion, equity, and community when and where it’s needed most.

Community Resources – Dial 211

There is no shame, blame or judgement asking for help. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, assistance is available. The 211 Social Services Hotline is no charge, 24 hours a day, for non-emergency family, financial, health, food, and social service issues. This service is available statewide. Impact 2-1-1 covers Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, and Ozaukee counties:

• Land Line: Dial 211
• Cell Phone: Dial 414-773-0211
• Pay Phone: Dial 1-866-211-3380
• Text: Text your ZIP code to 898-211
• Online search: www.211wisconsin.org
• TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (for hearing-impaired) and request “2-1-1 Wisconsin”

We ask everyone to be gentle with staff and volunteers at food pantries and community organizations distributing food for free or low cost. Many of these organizations are already working at capacity and will likely face even higher demand if SNAP benefits are delayed or reduced. A little patience and kindness can go a long way.

Consider Donating Resources

Emergency food banks, like Hunger Task Force, serve hundreds of different food access points across Metro Milwaukee. If you can, donate resources to area emergency food banks, including food and money. If you can volunteer, that’s great! All Outpost store locations have food donation boxes located at or near the checkout or store doors. Beginning November 1, you can round up your register total to support Hunger Task Force through our annual Buy A Bag campaign. 100% of proceeds goes to purchase natural and organic food delivered to Hunger Task Force during the winter months when donations tend to drop off.

Citywide Milwaukee Food Drive

WISN Channel 12: Milwaukee community leaders have initiated an emergency citywide food drive to support families affected by the federal shutdown, which threatens to cut off SNAP benefits for thousands.

Financial donations

Financial donations are critical support for food banks and pantries. Consider making donations directly to food pantries in your area or to these emergency food banks:

Hunger Task Force: www.hungertaskforce.org/donate/

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin: https://feedingamericawi.org/get-involved/donate/

Additional Resources

County agencies, faith-based organizations, school social workers, healthcare providers and social workers, and community centers can provide you with assistance on connecting with a nearby food pantry if a direct contribution is desirable.