When the Power Went Out, Our Organization Turned On

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin works with our community in a number of ways. At the height of the pandemic, we mobilized to serve thousands on the front lines. When the unexpected happens, you can expect us to be there to help.

Most Wisconsin residents are used to losing power for an hour or two every so often when extreme weather hits. But when a severe storm makes the power go out for more than a week, it can be hard to recover.

In August of 2021, over 200,000 City of Milwaukee residents lost power due to extreme thunderstorms and high winds. Some families lost power for over a week, which meant having to throw away refrigerated and frozen food. Making an extra trip to the grocery store can feel impossible for someone who is already living paycheck to paycheck. That’s why the quick response that Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin—and our network of collaborators—can activate is so critical.

Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said in an interview: “Families with limited resources have faced some real challenges after the storm-related electrical outages, and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has been a good partner in assisting residents who are affected.”

In a collaboration between the City of Milwaukee and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, 4,000 Pick ’n Save grocery store cards were given away to low-income Milwaukee residents who lost power. Mayor Barrett made $300,000 in Federal CARES Act money available toward this relief effort.

In addition to planning and executing grocery store gift card giveaways within seven days, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin quickly mobilized to create five food distribution events to also meet the increased need. Families in need were given food to restock their fridges. Our network pantry partners, Greater New Birth Church, UMOS, Children’s Hospital Midtown Clinic, WestCare E.A.T.S. Community Pantry, and Hope Lutheran Pantry, were eager to help out community members by hosting distribution locations.

“Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin partnered with local organizations and provided over 46,000 pounds of emergency food at five distribution points,” says Maureen Fitzgerald, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Vice President of Community and Government Relations. “One woman told me she had been eating the spoiled food from her refrigerator because she couldn’t afford to replace her groceries. She started crying when she got the grocery store gift card.”

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is here to be a safety net for Wisconsin communities when hard times come their way.