
Are you or one of your friends experiencing hunger on campus? Unfortunately, you're not alone. In a 2018 study of Marquette students, one-in-five students were identified as having experienced food insecurity during the past school year.
It is important to us that all Marquette students have the basic resources that allow them to focus on their education. There are many resources on and off campus to support students who don't have enough to eat.
Backpack Program
The Backpack Program is Marquette's confidential, on-campus food pantry providing groceries and necessary toiletries to any Marquette student who is having difficulty accessing affordable, nutritious food and other essential household items. After registering in person, students will be able to shop for a few days-worth of groceries including fresh produce, frozen meat and non-perishables and additional personal products. There are no requirements to use this free and confidential resource and no student will be turned away.
Registration
Students may shop once a week at the pantry. Students’ information will be kept confidential throughout the process.
To register, please visit the Backpack Program during our open hours, listed in the sidebar on the right.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact backpackprogram@marquette.edu.
MarqEats
MarEats is a text-based alert system that sends out a notification when there is leftover food after events in the Alumni Memorial Union. The texts include what kind of food, which room, and how long it will be available. To-go containers are usually provided. Sign up in CheckMarq to recieve the alerts.

Swipe Out Hunger Marquette is a partnership with the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs, Marquette Dining Services, MUSG and the Office of Student Financial Aid to provide meal swipes to students. Due to the limited number of meal swipes available, the application is only open at the beginning of the semester and eligible students are randomly selected. The application will reopen next semester and will be sent to financially eligible students (based on the Net Price Calculator and FAFSA) from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Other food resources:
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FoodShare is the food stamp program that helps low-income Wisconsin families and individuals procure healthy food to prepare at home. Visit this website to review eligibility requirements and application instructions.
2-1-1 connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government services in your area including health, housing, food, mental health resources and more.
Pantries and Community Meals
The area surrounding Marquette has many meal programs and pantries that are discreet and respectful. If you are worried about being self-conscious, know that at some of these sites, student volunteers routinely enjoy a meal alongside guests.
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NourishMKE
1230 W. Cherry St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 (main location)
Monday through Friday | 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
House of Peace
1702 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
(414) 933-1300
St. Rose Food Pantry
3005 W Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
The Gathering
Various locations
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
See website for locations and times.
St. Ben's Community Meal
930 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (entrance is at the St. Anthony's apartments on the lower level of St. Benedict the Moor Church)
Sunday through Friday | 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
Many Thanks to Our Generous Donors!
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- Marquette University Alumni Association National Board of Directors
- Pick 'n Save
- Family Dental Practice (Watertown, WI)
- Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Employees
- 707 HUB
- Calley Hostad
- Judy & Rock Evenson
- Chelsey & Michael Harvey
- Jackie & Ed Brozynski
- Maria Cooper
- Marquette University School of Dentistry
- Marquette University College of Education Faculty and Staff
- Marquette University College of Nursing Faculty and Staff
- Marquette University Marquette Central Staff
- Marquette University Police Department
- Marquette University Spirit Shop
Thank you also to all those who have purchased McCormick Hall memorabilia as the proceeds from those sales went directly to this program.