The Gathering Responds With New Efforts of Food Rescue to Rising Hunger as Federal Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits

Milwaukee, WI — October 31, 2025 — As the federal government shutdown continues and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face a potential cutoff on November 1, The Gathering is sounding the alarm about the escalating hunger crisis in Milwaukee and making efforts through food rescue programs to increase opportunities to ensure the hunger needs of the community are met. Over the past several months, the need for meals has grown dramatically:

• July and August: 10,000 meals served each month
• September: 12,000 meals served
• October: nearly 15,000 meals served and climbing

“No longer are our meals primarily serving homeless men,” said Lyn Hildenbrand, Executive Director of The Gathering. “Each day, more women, children, and families are joining us at our meal sites. Hunger in our community is deepening—and the demand is unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

With federal funding shrinking and food insecurity rising, The Gathering is working proactively to stretch every dollar and expand its food rescue efforts—a program that has been part of its mission for more than 30 years.

Through partnerships with generous food providers such as Steren McDonald’s, Amazon, Panera, and Starbucks, The Gathering rescues and repurposes surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Dedicated staff coordinate daily pick-ups and delivery routes, ensuring that nutritious food reaches meal sites instead of landfills.

“Food rescue is both practical and powerful,” said Lyn Hildenbrand. “It keeps perfectly good food out of the trash while feeding people who truly need it. It’s a win for our guests, our partners, and the planet.”

In recent months, The Gathering has been building new partnerships with local restaurants, food distributors, grocery stores, and even farmers’ markets—all working together to keep food circulating to those who need it most. With 13 paid staff and hundreds of volunteers each month, the organization has created strategic pick-up routes for food to be accessed in different parts of the city and then delivered back to meal sites for cooking and distribution.

However, with the possible halt of SNAP benefits, the organization expects yet another surge in meal demand as early as next month.

“Simply put, we’re not sure how to keep up with the pace of need,” said Hildenbrand. “But we’ll continue doing everything we can—creatively and collaboratively—to ensure no one in Milwaukee goes hungry.”

About The Gathering

For more than 40 years, The Gathering has provided free, nutritious meals and a sense of community to Milwaukee residents facing hunger and hardship. Supported by volunteers, donors, and food rescue partners, The Gathering operates multiple meal programs each week, serving tens of thousands of meals annually. To donate, volunteer, or partner in food rescue efforts, visit www.thegatheringwis.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.