About Us
We’re on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals.
Since 1982, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has been helping our neighbors in need. From our humble beginnings of a first donation of 600 pounds of apples to distributing more than 53 million pounds of food in a year during the pandemic, we are helping those who face hunger move forward. Over 40 years ago, Dr. Milton J. Huber, a professor of public affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, saw a problem and sought the Rotary Club for help. He noticed that overproduction and the overstocking of multidepartment supermarkets in order to meet consumer expectations led to a rapid increase in wasted food.
Huber suggested to Rotarians Price Davis and Art Riemer that the Milwaukee Rotary Club would be the perfect group to spearhead a food banking system to save surplus food and deliver it to people facing hunger in their city. A local grower provided their first donation — 600 pounds of apples. Those apples laid the foundation for what has led to years of hunger relief work, reaching far beyond neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
Today, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the leading local hunger-relief organization in the state. The organization operates food banks in Milwaukee and Appleton and receives food from retailers, wholesalers, farmers and donors. The food is transported, sorted and stored at each campus before it is distributed to nearly 400 pantries and meal programs across 35 eastern Wisconsin counties.
During the pandemic, protecting people’s livelihood has become more crucial than ever. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin continues to remove barriers between people and food. For example, our outreach specialists connect food-insecure folks with FoodShare and other vital resources they need to keep their families fed and healthy.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin also looks at the bigger picture of hunger, investing in advocacy and policy efforts. Educating lawmakers to support legislative solutions to end hunger is a critical part of our work. It’s important to also educate the public on the reality of hunger — anyone can experience it. We are all one diagnosis, job layoff or car accident away from needing a little extra help. Through our network of retailers, donors, volunteers, food pantries and people just like you, food has been getting into the hands of people who need it for nearly 40 years. That is why Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin believes that together, we are solving hunger.
Second Harvest of Wisconsin opens its doors, and a local farmer makes the first donation of 600 pounds of apples.
A generous gift from Joseph E. and Georganna Uihlein Jr. enables the food bank to rent a facility on Third Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
Second Harvest of Wisconsin joins the Second Harvest National Food Bank Network.
Nearly 6 million pounds of food have been distributed since the food bank’s opening.
The City of Milwaukee sells 3.5 acres of land at 17th Street and Fond du Lac Avenue to the food bank for $1.
A 24,000-square-foot addition doubles the warehouse’s capacity.
Bonnie J. Bellehumeur is named Executive Director of Second Harvest of Wisconsin. She would lead the organization for 24 years.
Second Harvest celebrates 10 years of serving the community and the distribution of more than 61 million pounds of food.
Governor Tommy Thompson signs the Hunger Prevention Bill at the food bank.
Second Harvest of Wisconsin is named National Food Bank of the Year by Second Harvest the National Organization.
Jefferson County businessman and Second Harvest board member, Joseph and Jenifer Tate, donate $1 million to advance food distribution.
The food bank marks 20 years of serving Wisconsin, distributing more than 160 million pounds of food since it opened its doors.
Expanding reach in the Northeast, the food bank begins regularly delivering to a distribution site where 12 rural food pantries access much-needed food for their communities.
Second Harvest of Wisconsin plays a vital role in hurricane relief collecting more than 900,000 pounds of food, cleaning supplies, and baby needs for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Second Harvest of Wisconsin rebrands as Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
The first Stuff-the-Bus event was held, attracting the community members and local celebrities to stuff a Milwaukee city bus with food staples. This annual event continues to be a holiday tradition.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin opens a brand-new food bank in Appleton, WI, enhancing service to the Northeast and establishing roots in the Fox Valley.
The Direct Connect Program is launched, connecting local retailers with pantries, rescuing more food from being wasted.
Patti Habeck is named President.
The food bank launches a new bulk repack system, enabling the organization to process large bulk quantities of food for its partners.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin plays a critical role in Covid-19 relief as the food bank helps distribute over 750,000 emergency food boxes during unprecedented times.
The food bank launches its Advocacy and Outreach Department to strengthen its impact and relationships at the federal, state, and local levels of government.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin celebrates 40 years of solving hunger and serving neighbors in need.
We Believe
- Together we are solving hunger.
- Access to nutritious food is a right for all.
- All people deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.
- Collaboration with partners throughout our community leads to innovative solutions.
- Our people are our most valuable asset.
- In fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
Our Values
Dignity
Humanity
Collaboration
Equity
Accountability
Serving Locally with the Strength of a National Network
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is an independent and local nonprofit organization. We fund local programs only, meaning every dollar donated stays right here in our local community. But as a member of the national network of 200 Feeding America food banks, we have access to donated product and additional resources that make us a stronger, more effective food bank.
Get Involved
Give Funds
The generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and community groups make our mission work possible. Every dollar donated helps provide three nutritious meals for neighbors in need facing hunger. Through our highly efficient sourcing and distribution model, we can help you stretch your gift to feed more people in the community!
