WISCONSIN (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Seven days worth of food, packed up and loaded into cars. Meals for families that. can't afford to buy food right now.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee has adapted quickly to the overwhelming need. Its clubs are closed but its meal continuation program is not.
The organization just scaled back to one day a week for safety reasons. "We wanted to have contact between people we are serving and our staff as little as possible," said Public Relations and Communications Manager Meg McKenzie.
As the line of people wraps around the block, a blue mark on the sidewalk keeps everyone six feet apart. Like many in that line, Lisa Pieper and her family are now facing hard times. "We run a small business, and we're shut down," Pieper shared.
Pieper has been going out several times a week for meal pick ups. She chose this location to limit her exposure. She told us food for 3 kids. will make a big difference. "It just kind of helps stretch things so we can put more money toward bills."
Everyone leaves with enough for three meals a day, for 7 days for children 18 and younger. So far the Boys & Girls Clubs have handed out 44,000 meals. According to McKenzie, "the food that's being served is very nutritious too. There's everything from chicken nuggets to
PB and J, fruit, juice." And carton after carton of milk.
Donors have helped fill tables with activities for kids. Books, crayons, puzzles to name a few things. There are also learning packets by grade level.
Meal pick up is Monday only from 11-3 at three locations in Milwaukee.
Participating locations include:
- Daniels-Mardak Club (4834 N. 35th St, Milwaukee, WI 53209)
- LaVarnway Club (2739 N. 15th St, Milwaukee, WI 53206)
- Davis (1975 S. 24th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204)