"Everybody Gives and Everybody Receives"
Poverty in America, let alone Milwaukee, is an epidemic that ravages many in our population. Poverty can translate into illness, homelessness or hunger. Thousands in Milwaukee are left without knowing when their next meal will be, so the Riverwest Food Pantry has assumed their position as a hard-hitting powerhouse in Milwaukee by providing over 200,000 lbs of food and 70,000 lbs of produce per year to the hungry.
The Riverwest Food Pantry’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. They started off as a typical food pantry, providing basic food and amenities for those in need, but are breaking away from the mold of what a traditional food pantry does. They operate as a “community food center”, stocked with resources to feed, educate and give back to the greater Milwaukee area. They offer a shopping experience, where food is stocked on shelves and shoppers actually get to customize their groceries instead of receiving a generic bag of food they may not like or know how to prepare.
The products available to shoppers at the Riverwest Food Pantry are centered around health and nutrition. Countless studies suggest a relationship between poverty and obesity in America, as well as a relationship between obesity and chronic health issues, like heart disease and type II diabetes. To promote healthier eating habits, the pantry carries low sodium and naturally sugared products in addition to fresh produce. Fresh produce can be more expensive than many non-perishable foods, especially if that produce is organic. To solve the undeniable problem of expense, the Riverwest Food Pantry runs an urban farm initiative, where they grow their own organic produce on local garden plots with help from volunteers.
Another invaluable resource is their chef demos. With produce they have grown themselves or procured from Feeding America or the Hunger Task Force, the Riverwest Food Pantry holds demonstrations on how to cook with what is readily available, promoting their healthy eating initiative. This continued engagement with healthy options gathers individuals around food and restores neighborhood wellbeing. For the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the Riverwest Food Pantry will give away Thanksgiving baskets stocked with a turkey, produce and sides to over 400 Milwaukee families, not only to feed those who need it, but to continue the tradition of a bountiful holiday meal for everyone.
There are many ways to support the Riverwest Food Pantry’s cause. May it be giving your time by stocking shelves, working in their local gardens or even donating, every bit helps. As a volunteer, you will be surprised by how much you can gain by offering your time and energy to the greater good. You will get perspective on your understanding of poverty as well as an overwhelming sense of community. Every day, volunteers recite their motto, “Everybody gives and everybody receives.” If that isn’t the theme of our holiday season, then I’m not sure what is.
Below is information on how to volunteer at the Riverwest Food Pantry this holiday season. They are currently in need of donations like cooking oil, low sodium canned or dried beans and hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap. To make a monetary donation to their cause, click here.
Riverwest Food Pantry Volunteer Information
ST. CASIMIR SITE
Individuals are always welcome to drop in at our St. Casimir site on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings (details below).
924 E. Clarke St. in St. Casimir Parish Hall.
The hall is located on the basement level of the school building behind Our Lady of Divine Providence Parish. Note: Volunteer entrance doors are on the west side of the building in the alley between the church and school. Parking is in the church lot north of the building, with an entrance on Weil St.
Wednesday/Friday prep
stocking shelves and sorting food
8:30-11:00 am. Walk-ins accepted
Saturday Food Distribution
8:00-11:00 am. Walk-ins accepted
GAENSLEN SITE
Walk-ins not accepted. Please Sign up in advance by emailing
volunteer@riverwestfoodpantry.org
1250 E. Burleigh St. on the lower level of Gaenslen school across from the ABK Weaving Center.
Please enter through the main doors and tell security you are there to volunteer for the pantry.
Tuesday Food Distribution
4:00-6:30 pm.
URBAN FARM SITE
We've partnered with Maglio Tomato and Groundworks MKE to grow and harvest fresh produce with and for our community.
4287 N. Port Washington Rd.
Parking and Hoop Houses are located on the North side of the building. Please come dressed for digging in the dirt, and if you have your own gardening gloves it would be great if your brought them as well.
Tuesday 9:30 - 12:30 PM (Meet at Maglio Tomato)
Thursday 2:30 - 6:30 PM (Meet at Maglio Tomato)
Saturday 8:00 - 11:00AM (Meet at St Casimir Site)
To sign up or for more information, please contact volunteer@riverwestfoodpantry.org
