'We're here to support': Bay View bakehouse launches bread giveaway for those impacted by loss of SNAP benefits

BAY VIEW, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Saturday, Nov. 1, nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites could be affected as SNAP benefits are set to end.

That's about 12% of the state's population.

Now, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 29, anyone impacted can receive a free loaf of Italian bread, seeded or not, or six hard rolls from Gather Bakehouse in Bay View. 

"This is something small we can do to make sure that the people in our community are being fed in a time when things are a bit uncertain for them," said owner Brittany Wohlfeil. "We see you and we hear you and we're here to support you without any judgment."

It's one per person on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"They can just come in, show us their SNAP card, no questions asked," Wohlfeil said. "We're heading into the holiday season...already there's financial strain for people because you're trying to give kids or family the nice holiday season, and now we're going into this with food insecurity for people who were already food insecure."

A no judgement space with a no one goes hungry message.

"When people are scared or hurting, you can kind of look for the helpers," Wohlfeil said. "As long as the need is there, we're going to keep doing it."

Gather Bakehouse is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The shop is located at 1100 E Oklahoma Avenue.