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Veterans Helping Veterans, One Meal at a Time

Welcome to Vets & Friends of Wisconsin, all veterans are welcome. Join us twice a week in Appleton for free nourishing meals, uplifting fellowship, and a community that cares.

Helping military veteran enjoy a meal at a community outdoor event, highlighting volunteer service and veteran support, with a focus on veteran assistance programs.

Join Us for a Meal

Every Wednesday and Friday, we welcome veterans and a friend to enjoy a home-cooked meal in a warm, welcoming environment. Register ahead to help us set the table, or simply walk in—either way, you'll find no cost, no questions asked, just good food and great company.
HFC Blank Stack - High-Fidelity Core System setup with multiple server components for optimized network performance and scalability.
Assisted Living Facility serving nutritious meals in Wisconsin, with focus blank stack meals.

Service Times

  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Location

100 W Capitol Dr, Appleton, WI 54911

What to Expect

Free parking, handicapped accessible entrance and bathrooms, and a friendly atmosphere where every veteran is welcomed with dignity and respect
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Meals Served Per Month
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Veterans Supported
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Volunteer-Powered

Built on Fellowship, Powered by Community

Since 2017, Vets & Friends of Wisconsin has provided free meals and genuine camaraderie to veterans across our community. We're 100% volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to one simple truth: connection matters as much as the meal.

Learn More About Us
American flag draped over child's shoulders, sitting on soldier's shoulders, in a field during sunset, celebrating Veterans Day and honoring military service, patriotic family moment.

Upcoming Events

Join us for meals, fundraisers, and community gatherings. There's always something happening at Vets & Friends.

Donate Today

Your donation will help ensure that Vets & Friends of Wisconsin can always offer an open seat at our tables and to keep our doors open twice a week providing free wholesome meals, warm conversation, and genuine fellowship to all veterans.

Make a Donation
Dedicated volunteers and staff members at a heroic community event, showcasing teamwork and service, highlighted by the "HFC Blank Stack" for veteran support and community engagement.
military art frame display at veterans gathering.
Serving Food at a Vets and Friends Event
quilt with intricate patchwork and vibrant colors displayed behind a smiling woman wearing a US Marines t-shirt and a green hat.
Lincoln Memorial statue with a person standing in front of it, inside the Lincoln Memorial, displaying details of the monument and visitors.
Veterans and friends at a monument during Memorial Day observance.
Patrolmen enjoying a meal together at an outdoor barbecue event near the Vets and Friends of Wisconsin.
Pro Label Inc. award recognition for food safety excellence at Vets & Friends of Wisconsin event.

Ways to Help

Every contribution—whether time, resources, or support—helps us continue serving those who served. Here's how you can make a difference.

Individual Giving

We serve those who served. Your donation provides meals, fosters fellowship, strengthens community and honors veterans. Every dollar matters, without you, no meal or moment of connection happens.
Make a Gift

Volunteer With Us

Join our 100% volunteer-driven team. From meal prep to serving, setup to cleanup—your time and energy help create the welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal special.
Apply Today

Corporate Partnerships

Partner with us to make a lasting impact in the veteran community. From employee volunteer programs to matching gifts and event sponsorships, we'll work with you to create meaningful engagement.
Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our meal services, how to get involved, or how we operate? We've got answers. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're here to help.

If Appleton Area School District is closed or has a 2-hour delay, we’re closed too. We also reserve the right to close based on weather conditions, road safety in the Fox Valley area, or volunteer availability—your safety and our volunteers’ safety come first. When in doubt, give us a call at (920) 422-7706 before heading out.

We’re at St. James United Methodist Church, 100 W. Capitol Drive in Appleton, Wisconsin. Brunch is served Wednesdays from 10am to noon, and breakfast is served Fridays from 8am to 10am. The building has free parking and is fully accessible with handicapped parking and restrooms.

You don’t have to, but we’d really appreciate it if you do! RSVPing online helps us plan how much food to prepare so there’s plenty for everyone. It’s simple—just find the event you’d like to attend on our website and fill out the quick RSVP form. But if you can’t RSVP ahead of time, don’t let that stop you from coming. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Each dollar supports wholesome meals, essential supplies, and the continuation of our veteran meal services. Guided by our executive director and powered by volunteers, your generosity makes a real difference. Donations are tax‑deductible, and receipts are available upon request.

We’d love to have you! Our volunteer needs include meal prep, serving, cleanup, and event support. Whether you can help once a month or every week, there’s a place for you. Fill out our volunteer interest form at vetsandfriendsofwisconsin.org/volunteer-application/, or contact us directly at info@vetsandfriendsofwisconsin.org or call (920) 422-7706 to learn more about getting involved.

Think of it as gathering with friends, not showing up for a handout. We focus on camaraderie over charity—veterans helping veterans, sharing stories, and enjoying good food together. It’s a place where you’re welcomed as a peer, not a recipient. Come for the meal, stay for the company.

All veterans are welcome, and you can bring one friend with you at no cost. If you’d like to bring more than one friend, we’d appreciate it if they could consider making a donation to help cover the food costs. No paperwork, no membership fees—just show up and join us.

Every Branch, One Table

We serve veterans from all branches of the U.S. military because service transcends the uniform. Whether you served decades ago or just returned home, whether you were Navy, Army, Marines, or Air Force, you belong here. This is where fellow veterans gather for good food, better company, and the kind of camaraderie that only those who've served truly understand.
Support for Veterans & Families.
Eagle, globe, and anchor emblem of the United States Marine Corps with red background and gold border.
A circular emblem featuring the United States Space Force insignia with a starry space background, a globe, and a stylized spaceship or arrow pointing upward, symbolizing space exploration and military service.
Seal of the U.S. Coast Guard featuring anchors, shield, and motto.