'It means so much': Partnership gives Pick 'n Save gift cards to Milwaukee residents who lost power during storms

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's a helping hand for Milwaukee residents whose groceries spoiled after last week's storm.

Three-thousand gift cards were available at three Milwaukee Pick 'n Save stores Friday morning, Aug. 20.

"About, it was, $455 dollars."

That's how much money in groceries Amabel Tirado estimates her family lost after the storm knocked out their power. She's one of hundreds of people who lined up in the parking lot at the Holt Avenue Pick 'n Save.

"It was a tragedy with the storms that went through, and the power outages," said Jim Hyland, vice president of communications and public affairs with Roundy's Supermarkets.

"It was the worst week of my life," said Milwaukee resident Roneeka Johnson.

Roneeka Johnson said her family was forced to dispose of everything in her refrigerator, freezer and deep freezer.

"It means so much to me because we really could use it and we're going to eat good today behind this," she said.

Hundreds of thousands of people across southeast Wisconsin were left in the dark for days until their power was restored.

With help from the Milwaukee Civic Response Team, the city partnered with Feeding America and Pick 'n Save to give residents $75 gift cards to the grocery store.

"This, for a lot of people, is the first time they've said 'I might need some help.' And we were glad to be able to provide it," said Scott Marshall, vice president of development & communications for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

"It's going to help. It's going to help some people a lot, it's going to help some people a little, but overall it's going to help," said Hyland.

Those who may still need assistance are encourage to reach out to Feeding America or local food distributors in your area.

Below is a list of some food distributors in Milwaukee who are servicing residents over the weekend, and into next week.

Saturday, Aug. 21

7:00 AM - 11:00 am
Greater New Birth M.B.
8237 West Silver Spring
Milwaukee, WI 53218

Monday, Aug. 23

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
UMOS
2701 S Chase Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53207 ·

Tuesday, Aug. 24

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Children’s Hospital Mid-Town Clinic
5433 W Fond Du Lac Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53216

Wednesday, Aug. 25

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WestCare E.A.T.S. Community Pantry
Harambee Community Center
335 West Wright Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212           

Thursday, Aug. 26

9:00 – 12:00 PM
Hope Lutheran Pantry
1115 N 35th St
Milwaukee, WI 53208