Our Stories
Our History:
Our services grew from the social justice activism of the Friedens United Church of Christ in Milwaukee. Under its former name of Friedens Inner City Ministries, NourishMKE has operated a food pantry since 1978 in Milwaukee’s near northwest side. The pantry began as a charitable activity of the parishioners of Friedens United Church of Christ. In the original parishioner’s native German language, “frieden” means “peace”. Believing there is no true peace without justice, and that nourishment was a fundamental right of citizens of a just society, the Food Pantry was one means by which Friedens parishioners reached out to their neighbors in need. Many of these neighbors were recent arrivals in the community surrounding the church at 13th Street and Juneau Avenue.
One of our founders says, “It started with $150 of food, a pick-up truck, and three individuals” who stood on a street corner of Milwaukee’s Southside and invited neighbors out for food and fellowship. Community members were asked what other resources were needed and invited to return the next week to help set up. The neighbors returned, bringing their friends and relatives. Our street corner community grew until we needed a permanent home, and expanded to include three additional sites where we continue service of raising all people up in hope and resiliency by providing nourishment for mind, body, and soul. In 2022 a team at NourishMKE chose to define reality for the organization through story and alignment. In 2024 we were finally ready to launch our new name and Friedens Community Ministries became NourishMKE. We are so thrilled that our name is more accessible and reflective of the work we’re doing in our community spaces. Learn more about our rebrand here.