In preparation for winter, we are partnering with the Interchange Food Pantry to gather gently used winter gear for those in need this upcoming season.

The Interchange Food Pantry’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of their guests through nutritious food and compassion. The IFP is located in downtown Milwaukee, with access to several transit lines, and served over 50,000 guests last year over 34 of Milwaukee’s 38 zip codes.

This is not your typical food pantry. When the Axtells first started volunteering, they were blown away at the healthy food offered here. Fresh produce is at the forefront of the offerings. And the nonperishable items, such as nut butters, organic snacks, and legumes, are also nutrient dense.

In the words of George, the food pantry executive director, ‘We only offer food to our guests that we would bring home ourselves.’

Dr. Axtell and her family, husband Chris and daughters Cece and Lu, have been volunteering on Saturday mornings at the pantry since 2019. This year they want to increase their contribution by running a winter coat drive for the guests as well.

Please bring gently used coats, gloves, and hats to the drop box at Lakeside Natural Medicine or at Corner Bakery Shorewood from November 6th to December 14th. All donated winter gear will be distributed at the Interchange Food Pantry on Saturday, December 16th.

Don’t have any winter gear to give? Donate directly to the Interchange Food Pantry (IFP) Thanksgiving Dinner Fund which will help the IFP’s efforts to provide 1,400 Milwaukee families facing hunger with fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy with their Thanksgiving Dinner!

During this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway, families will receive a nutritionally balanced Thanksgiving meal that includes a choice of turkey or ham and all the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings: cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams, chicken broth, cornbread mix, gravy, pumpkin pie, and whipped cream!

Plus, 20 pounds of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables: sweet potatoes, potatoes, celery, onions, apples, and oranges

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.