Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin kicks off its annual Food for the Holidays campaign, with support from Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, on Tuesday, Nov. 10. As food and household costs continue to put pressure on family budgets, the Food for the Holidays campaign provides an opportunity for the community to come together during a season centered on sharing and make sure every family can share a warm meal together and enjoy the comfort of the holidays.

Beloved Midwest comedian and Milwaukee native Charlie Berens returns for his fourth year as campaign ambassador, bringing both his signature regional humor and genuine heart to the cause. Known nationally for The Manitowoc Minute, Berens has once again patterned with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to star in a new advertising spot supporting the 2026 campaign.

“Charlie has an incredible ability to connect with people, and he brings a genuine sense of compassion to this work,” said Monique Kelley, President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “His involvement with our Food for the Holidays campaign helps us reach new audiences while reminding all of us that hunger is not a seasonal issue. During the holidays and throughout the year, our neighbors deserve adequate access to nutritious food, and it takes all of us working together to help meet the ever-growing need.”

This year’s campaign features a special matching gift opportunity made possible by an anonymous donor. Through Dec. 31, every dollar donated to Food for the Holidays will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of each gift to help twice as many families.

“In Wisconsin, looking out for your neighbors is just what we do,” Berens said. “The holidays are a time when we think about family, friends, and the people around us, and there are plenty of ways to help make sure our neighbors have enough food on the table. Whether you make a donation, give food, or find another way to pitch in, it all adds up. A little Midwest Nice can go a long way.”

According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap survey, 1-in-7 people and 1-in-5 children in Eastern Wisconsin are currently facing hunger. Food pantries across the organization’s 35-county service area report a 30-40 percent increase in visitors over the past year, with many seeing increased demand for food assistance and a rise in first-time visitors ranging from 5 percent to as high as 400 percent, depending on the area. These numbers reflect a growing urgency for food assistance, especially during the winter months when household expenses often climb.

The Food for the Holidays campaign runs Nov. 10 through Dec. 31. Supporters can make an online donation and have their gift matched at FeedingAmericaWI.org/Holidays.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin also reminds supporters that they can help make a difference at their neighborhood Pick ’n Save or Metro Market this holiday season. For a $6.99 donation, Metro Market shoppers can pick up a copy of the Who’s Coming to Dinner? cookbook, featuring more than 40 recipes from chefs across Wisconsin and Illinois. Proceeds benefit local food banks, including Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, while supplies last. Shoppers can also support their neighbors facing hunger by rounding up their purchases in-store. See details below.

• During November: Join “Grand Giving” by rounding up to the nearest dollar at checkout or by selecting the Round Up button at self-checkout.
• Throughout December: Round Up purchases once again during December to help provide food for families at a critical time of the year.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of Pick ’n Save and Metro Market shoppers,” said Emilie Williamson, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Pick ’n Save and Metro Market. “Together with the support of incredible volunteers, we recently completed our Million Meal Pack to help support families across our region. This holiday season, we’re continuing to make it easy to give back—whether rounding up at the register or donating a food bag, every contribution can make a meaningful difference for Wisconsin families. Together, through Food for the Holidays, we can Feed the Human Spirit, one dollar and one pound at a time.”