FDA, Surplus, Salvaged and Donated Foods
Tips on which cans and packages to avoid.
Official page: fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/surplus-salvaged-and-donated-foods
How to Make Blessing Bags in Wisconsin: Safe Food, Cold Weather and Heat Tips
A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in Wisconsin, with FDA food safety tips, CDC cold and heat tips, and a 211 Wisconsin card.
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Hi friend. A small bag with water, snacks and a few basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. Wisconsin winters are hard, so pack smart and keep it simple.
Quick answers
What food is safe to put in a bag?
Pick foods in their original, whole packaging. The FDA says to avoid cans that are swollen or bulging, dented along the seams, or rusty along the seams, and packages that are torn, leaking or look resealed. Skip anything that looks or smells spoiled.
Official page: fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/surplus-salvaged-and-donated-foods
What should I add for cold nights?
The CDC says to dress in loose layers, with a water resistant coat, a hat, mittens or gloves and a scarf. A pair of dry socks is a great addition because wet clothes chill you fast. Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
What should I add for hot weather?
Water matters most. The CDC says to drink more water than usual and not wait until you are thirsty. Add a note about cool places like libraries or shopping malls. Muscle cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care.
Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html
What info card should I include?
Write a small card that says: 211 Wisconsin, dial 211 or call 877 947 2211, or text your ZIP code to 898211. Add 988 for crisis support, which anyone can call or text.
Official page: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3fbcb51
Where can I point someone during the day in Milwaukee?
Repairers of the Breach at 1335 W Vliet St is open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 3:45 pm. It offers showers, hygiene products, clean clothes and a free medical clinic. The center phone is 414 342 9323. Write it on the card.
Official page: repairers.org
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: in winter, add hand warmers and a pair of dry socks. When it is hot, add an extra bottle of water.
Who to call in Wisconsin
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
CDC, Winter Weather
How to dress for the cold and the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
CDC, Heat and Health
Tips on water, cool places and warning signs of heat illness.
Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html
211 Wisconsin
Free help finding local programs. Dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211, or chat online.
Official page: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3fbcb51
Repairers of the Breach
Showers, clothes, a clothing bank and a free medical clinic at 1335 W Vliet St.
Official page: repairers.org
The Beacon, Catholic Charities
Open every day, 8 am to 5 pm, at 615 E Washington Ave. Lunch, showers and laundry.
Official page: catholiccharitiesofmadison.org/the-beacon/get-help
More help in Wisconsin
Housing help in Wisconsin (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Wisconsin: Where to Start with 211, FoodShare, BadgerCare and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Madison and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Wisconsin: FoodShare, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in WisconsinNo cost Job Help and Job Training in WisconsinNo cost and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in WisconsinNo cost Domestic Violence Help in Wisconsin: Hotlines, Shelter and SafetyNo cost Help for Veterans in Wisconsin: Housing, VA Care and Crisis SupportNo cost Help for Youth in Wisconsin: Shelter, Drop In Centers and School RightsGetting ID and Documents Back in WisconsinNo cost and Low Cost Phones and Internet in WisconsinNo cost Legal and Tenant Help in Wisconsin: Evictions, Deposits and Court
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.