Nourishing Our Students

Are you or one of your friends experiencing hunger on campus? Unfortunately, you're not alone. In a 2018 study of Marquette students, one-in-five students were identified as having experienced food insecurity during the past school year.

It is important to us that all Marquette students have the basic resources that allow them to focus on their education. There are many resources on and off campus to support students who don't have enough to eat.

Backpack Program

The Backpack Program is a free and confidential service that provides groceries and necessary toiletries to any Marquette student who is having difficulty accessing affordable, nutritious food and other essential household items. After registering in person, students will be able to shop for a few days-worth of groceries including fresh produce, frozen meat and non-perishables and additional personal products. There are no requirements to use this service and no student will be turned away.

Registration

Students may use the Backpack Program one time or on an ongoing weekly basis. Students’ information will be kept confidential throughout the process.

To register, please visit the Backpack Program during our open hours, listed in the sidebar on the right. We have switched to a new software and unfortunately cannot provide an online intake link at this time.

The Backpack Program is run by a small group of MU faculty, staff and students. If you have questions or concerns, please contact backpackprogram@marquette.edu.

These campus offices can also provide additional support:

The Counseling Center | Holthusen Hall, 2nd Floor
People who experience food insecurity may be facing other life stressors as well that can affect their emotional health. The Counseling Center is a service that supports students in addressing any type of emotional health concern.

Center for Intercultural Engagement | Alumni Memorial Union 111

Office of Student Development | Alumni Memorial Union 121

Campus Ministry | Alumni Memorial Union 236

Other food resources:

FoodShare is the food stamp program that helps low-income Wisconsin families and individuals procure healthy food to prepare at home. Visit this website to review eligibility requirements and application instructions.

2-1-1 Wisconsin
211 connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government services in your area.

Pantries and Community Meals
The area surrounding Marquette has many meal programs and pantries that are discreet and respectful. If you are worried about being self-conscious, know that at some of these sites, student volunteers routinely enjoy a meal alongside guests.

Pantries

Friedens Community Ministries
1220 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53205 (main location)
Monday through Friday | 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

House of Peace
1702 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
(414) 933-1300

Redeemer Food Pantry
1905 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Thursdays | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

St. Rose Food Pantry3005 W Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

 

Community Meal Programs

The Gathering
Various locations
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
See website for locations and times.

St. Ben's Community Meal
930 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (entrance is at the St. Anthony's apartments on the lower level of St. Benedict the Moor Church)
Sunday through Friday | 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.

Noon Run Community Lunch (Open to all)
Redeemer Lutheran Church
1905 W Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Sundays | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Many Thanks to Our Donors!

  • Marquette University Alumni Association National Board of Directors
  • Pick 'n Save
  • Family Dental Practice (Watertown, WI)
  • Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Employees
  • 707 HUB
  • Calley Hostad
  • Judy & Rock Evenson
  • Chelsey & Michael Harvey
  • Jackie & Ed Brozynski
  • Maria Cooper
  • Marquette University School of Dentistry
  • Marquette University College of Education Faculty and Staff
  • Marquette University College of Nursing Faculty and Staff
  • Marquette University Marquette Central Staff
  • Marquette University Police Department

Thank you also to all those who have purchased McCormick Hall memorabilia as the proceeds from those sales went directly to this program.