Food Assistance Resources in Wisconsin

Last updated September 29, 2026

If you or someone you're helping is struggling to put food on the table in Wisconsin, you're not alone — and real help is available. Wisconsin administers several federally funded nutrition programs through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and local community resources fill critical gaps in between. Whether you need help right away or are planning ahead, knowing where to start makes a real difference.

For the fastest connection to local food pantries, meal programs, and other assistance, call 2-1-1 Wisconsin (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Trained specialists are available around the clock and can match you to resources in your county — from emergency food boxes to longer-term nutrition support. This is especially useful in rural counties where options may be less visible online.

Eligibility for food programs in Wisconsin varies by income, household size, age, and immigration status. Many people who assume they won't qualify are surprised to find they do. Social workers and case managers can help clients apply for multiple programs at once, and many applications can now be started online through the ACCESS Wisconsin portal at access.wi.gov.

Key programs in Wisconsin

FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP)

FoodShare is Wisconsin's name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It provides monthly benefits loaded onto a Quest card that can be used to buy groceries at most retailers. Benefit amounts are based on household size and income.

How to access: Apply online at access.wi.gov, call your county or tribal DHHS office, or visit a local Economic Support office. Applications can also be submitted by mail or in person. Benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 in Wisconsin.

How to access: Contact your local WIC clinic — find yours through the Wisconsin WIC Program via the DHS website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic or by calling 2-1-1. You will need to schedule an appointment and bring proof of income, residency, and identity.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) / Local Food Pantries

TEFAP is a federally funded program that distributes USDA commodity foods to low-income households through a network of food banks and local food pantries across Wisconsin. Many pantries supplement TEFAP with donated and purchased food and do not require documentation to receive help.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 Wisconsin to find the nearest food pantry, food bank distribution site, or community meal program in your county. Feeding America's network includes Hunger Task Force (Milwaukee area), Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and other regional food banks statewide.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Wisconsin operates the CSFP (also called the 'Food Package' program), which provides monthly boxes of USDA commodity foods to low-income adults aged 60 and older. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides coupons for eligible seniors to purchase fresh produce at authorized farmers' markets.

How to access: Availability varies by county and is subject to waiting lists. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, or call 2-1-1 to find the program administrator in your area.

School Nutrition Programs (Free & Reduced-Price Meals / Summer EBT)

Wisconsin children from income-eligible families can receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch during the school year through federally funded school meal programs. During summer months, eligible children may receive Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) benefits to purchase groceries when school is not in session.

How to access: Apply for free and reduced-price meals through your child's school district. For Summer EBT eligibility questions, contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at dpi.wi.gov or call 2-1-1 for local guidance.

Food Assistance resources for Wisconsin

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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