Jewish Community Pantry
All Ages 2900 W Center Street (Entrance on 29th Street)
More than 40 Years of Nourishing Our Community and the Need Has Never Been Greater
Serving our neighbors in the Metcalfe Park and Amani neighborhoods from our location at 29th & Center.
Since 1983, the Jewish Community Pantry has provided food, dignity, and hope to Milwaukee families. But today, as SNAP benefits change and uncertainty grows about what the future holds, more neighbors than ever are turning to us for help.
In the past year, we served 25,749 individuals. 50% of those served were children.
The surge in need is a clear sign of an emergency in our own backyard – and our shelves need your help to stay full. Your support has never been more critical. Please make a gift today to keep our shelves stocked for all of our neighbors in need, or donate your time by volunteering on direct service days (Tuesdays & Thursdays).
OPEN FOR GUESTS
Tuesdays | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursdays | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Guests are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Identification is required for all visits. The Pantry maintains a general food section, an infant section, and a kosher section. We serve families in Milwaukee ZIP codes 53210 and 53216, and anyone else experiencing a food emergency.
Find updates on SNAP benefits and other resources from our partners at Hunger Task Force and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Jewish Community Pantry in the News: CBS58 | WISN12 | TMJ4 | WISN12
Operated in partnership with The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the organizations listed below.
About Us
The Jewish Community Pantry reflects the JCC’s organizational commitment to the Jewish values of:
- Tzedakah (justice)
- Tikkun Olam (repairing the world)
- Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (all are responsible for one another)
- Kavod (respect) for all our guests
30-40 trained volunteers work during open hours alongside a handful of pantry staff.
Pantry volunteers help pack bags of food, interview guests, stock shelves, and assist with our guest-choice food allocation process.
Individual, group, and corporate volunteers are invited to sign-up once or create a schedule that works for them. All volunteers are required to complete a background check.
Contact Laura Slatky-Verkuilen, Pantry Manager, to volunteer.
The Jewish Community Pantry is supported by the Emergency Pantry Network of the Hunger Task Force, a provider of free and local food.
Not only does the Pantry feed those who are hungry with 3-5 days’ worth of food, but we also collaborate with community partners to combat factors that contribute to poverty and food insecurity.
- Feeding America
- Milwaukee Diaper Mission
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
- Metcalfe Park Community Bridges
Would your organization like to partner with us to serve the community? Contact Heidi Gould, Pantry Director.
accepting donations
You can find collection bins at both the north and west entrances of the JCC which accept items for the Jewish Community Pantry:
- New and gently used clothing (no rips or stains)
- Non-perishable food (primary needs: canned fruit, jelly, healthy cereals, flour, cooking oil, spices, coffee, and tea)
- Paper grocery bags
- Red Sendik’s bags
- Household items
- Period products
Financial donations make an even bigger difference as we are able to buy food for our guests at discounted prices. You can donate online using the link below or by mail at:
6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53217
