Interchange Food Pantry

Interchange Milwaukee was created in 1971 to tackle hunger issues on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side and Downtown. At a time when disruptions to the area included the destruction of residences and businesses to make way for freeway construction, an ecumenical coalition of church congregations from these neighborhoods saw new needs emerging and spearheaded this effort.

From its start literally in a closet, Interchange became a proven neighborhood resource — designated through Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force Network as the primary provider meeting emergency food needs in the 53202, 53203, 53211 and 53233 zip codes. Serving this urban area through economic swings that can bring painful disruption to individual lives, Interchange today helps nearly 1,000 individuals every month with a nutritious bag of staples, frozen items, bread, dairy and fresh produce. Pantry guests also receive a personal hygiene item with each bag of groceries.