Helping the Veteran Community Through FoodShare

Needing a little extra help with the groceries, Tom reached out to learn more about FoodShare when he saw a flyer in the laundry room at his apartment complex, Veterans Village. FoodShare, Wisconsin’s version of food stamps, is a program that helps our friends and neighbors purchase the food they need to stay healthy. Recipients use their benefits on a debit-like card, the QUEST Card, in authorized food stores and Farmers Markets.

Tom is on a fixed income, so the amount of money he receives each month in FoodShare allows him to set aside more money for other necessities. Lisa, one of the FoodShare Outreach Specialists at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, walked Tom through the process of applying for these benefits. Tom says Lisa helped the process move smoothly and was able to answer all of his questions.

“I started recommending FoodShare to others in my apartment complex and it helped all of them out a lot too, especially those with families,” Tom shares.

Veterans Village provides affordable housing, support, and community to veterans like Tom, no mater what stage of life they are in. Tom raved about the staff at Veterans Village and hopes to stay there for many years. Tom says he is grateful for Veterans Village and important resources like FoodShare.

“I think we all need to understand that it’s not necessarily someone’s fault why they need some extra help,” Tom shares. “When we can all get together and help one another out it makes a tremendous difference in a lot of people’s lives.

To learn more about FoodShare, or to contact one of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s outreach specialists, click here.