Food Center & Pantry
Addressing Food Insecurity Among College Students
During Fall 2016, the Student Association (SA) conducted a campus wide survey addressing food insecurity. From those survey results, we learned that roughly 50% of UWM students report not having enough food to eat. For some, this might seem like a surprising statistic, but for half of the UWM student population, this is their reality. Our mission is to ensure that the entire UWM community has access to nutritious food and key necessities in a welcoming and educational space. We collect demographic information and a variety of other data to improve processes and ensure that it is equitable, inclusive and accessible to meet the needs of the UWM diverse student population.
Tuesday Sign Ups
The pantry operates by appointment only on Tuesdays. The sign-up sheet for appointment slots will be posted no later than the Monday before opening. Each person must schedule their own appointment—please do not sign up on behalf of others. You may only book one appointment; if you register for more than one, your reservations will be canceled, and you will need to sign up again. Arrive on time for your appointment, as early entry is not permitted. Please do not arrive more than five minutes in advance. If you are late, we cannot guarantee availability for a later time slot, so plan accordingly.
Diaper/Wipe Distribution
Diapers and wipes are available only to UWM student parents. Student parents who need diapers and/or wipes can come to the pantry on the first Monday of every month to receive diapers/wipes. No sign up is required, but please have your student ID or active UWM email address. The pantry will only be open for diaper/wipe distribution during these times. We highly recommend you come during this time. However, if this conflicts with your class schedule, please email us at foodassist@uwm.edu to arrange another time to pick up. Upcoming diaper distribution date(s) are below:
- August 4th from 1 PM until 3 PM
How to Access the UWM Food Center and Pantry
- Check in at the desk.
- Provide the volunteer your active UWM email or UWM ID. If your email is not active, you will not be able to use the UWM Food Center & Pantry.
- Grab a bag and pick items you would like. All patrons are limited to 1 bag per visit. Please follow the signs posted in the pantry for items with limits.
- If you would like fridge or freezer items, please ask the attendant who will get the items for you.
- You are permitted to use the pantry once a week.
Partners
The UWM Food Center and Pantry is grateful for our partnerships with Feeding America and the Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
Other Resources
Pantries Around Milwaukee
Map of Local Pantries near you. Just enter the zip code or address of where you are staying. You can also dial 211 from a phone for emergency food assistance and other community resources.
Fresh Picks Mobile Market
The Hunger Task Force Fresh Picks Mobile Market offers fresh produce, meat, and dairy items at a discount. The market accepts debit cards, credit cards and Quest EBT. The Fresh Picks Mobile Market visits various locations throughout the Milwaukee Area. Check out their calendar to find a location near you.
Food Share (SNAP)
College students who meet certain criteria are eligible for Food Share. Students can apply on the Wisconsin Access site. Students must be at least 1/2 time enrolled and meet one of the following criteria:
- Be either eligible for work study (whether or not you are employed), or
- Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0. This is based the student’s FAFSA application.
Support the UWM Food Center & Pantry
Our Amazon Wishlist: From time to time, we’ll be posting high need items on our social media, but the most straightforward way to order is through Amazon! You can use our wish list or just order from your own Amazon account and have it delivered to 2200 E Kenwood Blvd., ATTN: Food Center & Pantry, Milwaukee, WI 53211.
Donate to the Food Pantry through the UWM Foundation.
Volunteer with us! Email foodassist@uwm.edu for our current volunteer shifts.
Learn more about how to support the FCP with our FCP Partnership Packet!