MKE Grocery Buddy Is Filling the Gap for Neighbors in Need

Meg Sargent posted a simple message on social media when federal SNAP benefits stalled. The Milwaukee resident included a link for people suddenly struggling to afford groceries, and another for those willing to help by filling the gap.

And within 24 hours, more than 200 people responded.

These are people doing everything right. They’re working hard, applying for jobs, caring for families and it’s still not enough.

Katie Goodwin, MKE Grocery Buddy

It’s the moment that sparked MKE Grocery Buddy. The volunteer-powered, donor-supported organization is now helping dozens of Milwaukee-area residents put food — and dignity — back on the table when programs like SNAP fall short. 

“It started as a very small, grassroots pairing,” Katie Goodwin, the group’s marketing and media liaison, says. “And then suddenly, we were building spreadsheets, coordinating volunteers, and realizing just how big the need was.”

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Listen to a discussion about MKE Grocery Buddy here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/matenaer-on-air/2025/12/15/stepping-up-and-finding-a-voice-hour-2"]

MKE Grocery Buddy is not a traditional nonprofit or government program. Instead, it is connecting neighbors directly: people experiencing food insecurity are paired with “grocery buddies” who can either contribute financially or purchase and deliver groceries.

Filling Gaps Left by Existing Food Systems

Goodwin says the organization exists to fill gaps left behind by existing food systems.

“SNAP, food banks, church meals. They are all critical,” she explains. “But there are still so many things they don’t cover. You can’t buy hot food. You can’t buy cleaning supplies. You can’t buy feminine hygiene products. Those are everyday essentials, and people are going without them.”

The work is also challenging common assumptions about who needs help. Goodwin shares that many grocery recipients are elderly, homebound, disabled, laid off, or working full-time but still struggling to keep up.

“These are people doing everything right,” she says. “They’re working hard, applying for jobs, caring for families and it’s still not enough.”

Goodwin tells an emotional personal story that has stayed with her. She offered to contribute $40 a week to a grocery recipient, who shortly after responded by asking for just $40 for the entire month — and later sent an itemized receipt, worried about being perceived as wasteful.

“That level of humility and fear of judgment is heartbreaking,” Goodwin says. “I told them, ‘You don’t owe me anything. You’re a member of my community.’”

Demand Continues to Grow

Since launching, MKE Grocery Buddy has matched more than 70 individuals and helped meet $10,000 in grocery needs. But the demand continues to grow. The organization currently faces a backlog of requests totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

“Our biggest need right now is more grocery buddies,” Goodwin explains. “People who can step up, even in small ways.”

And while she emphasizes the power of community action, Goodwin is clear that volunteer efforts should not replace systemic solutions.

“In a perfect world, MKE Grocery Buddy wouldn’t exist,” she says. “This can’t be a substitute for government responsibility. We need local, state, and federal leaders to step up and make sure people don’t lose access to food in the first place.”

But until then, neighbors are doing what they can — one grocery delivery, one check-in, one act of care at a time.

Interested in becoming a grocery buddy or receiving help? Visit the website to learn more here.