Split the Plate is one of UUCW’s programs of outreach and generosity. Each month we give half the undesignated offering monies to a worthy cause as a way to help us live our Unitarian Universalist values and serve our community.
Our Split the Plate partner for March is Riverwest Food Pantry. With the challenges of the pandemic, they have seen a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2020. Our generous support is urgently needed.
The pantry operates out of St. Casmir Church at 924 E. Clarke Street in Milwaukee where it has been since 1979. They serve the unemployed and underemployed, socially isolated, minorities and children. Last year they served over 13,000 community members plus their households.
Typical of this past year is a community member named Calanlina. Calanlina and her daughter both lost their jobs in the pandemic. Behind on rent and on the verge of being kicked out of their home with a three-week-old grandson, Calanlina came to Riverwest for food and ended up also getting a mentor who was able to help her get over $4,000 in resources to keep her in her home.
Riverwest does much more than provide food. They have an Urban Farm on North Port Washington Road where volunteers grow over 12,000 pounds of fresh produce each year for the pantry to distribute. They have trained volunteer mentors who helped over 250 people in 2020 to navigate barriers and connect with community resources to help meet other needs –such as housing.
The pantry offers healthy food and an educational experience which includes chef demonstrations, homemade breakfasts, and a thrift store.
Riverwest depends on over 4,000 volunteers and over 14,000 volunteer hours to provide community services. Your volunteer time would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested, check Riverwest Food Pantry for more information.
We know some folks have been hit harder than others by this pandemic, so we ask you to do the best you can here. Your donation is urgently needed to help purchase food for distribution. Please click on the “Donate” button right now to provide a helping hand for this good work. For more information about Split the Plate, contact Kathy Herrewig.
