Free Food Alert is a voluntary program that helps feed hungry people and takes action against food waste. UW–Madison is one of many universities that utilize Free Food Alert. Event hosts and food recovery program managers at UW-Madison use Free Food Alert to notify students, faculty, and staff when free food available on campus.
Sign Up
Receive Notifications
The system sends email and/or mobile push notifications when there is free food available on campus. To subscribe to these notifications, individuals must create a Free Food Alert account. Simply enter your university email address and create a password. It is completely free!
Become an Approved Host
The Free Food Alert system enables event hosts on campus the ability to send out alerts for free food giveaways. To use the system, eligible hosts (see FAQs for more detail) can complete the Giveaway Host Training. Once an application is reviewed and approved by the university Free Food Alert administrator, the new host will be able to send out free food alerts to all subscribers.
Download the Free Food Alert App
Download the mobile app to receive push notifications when Free Food is available at UW-Madison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who can subscribe to Free Food Alert notifications at UW-Madison?
Anybody with an email ending with @wisc.edu can sign up for a Free Food Alert account. The university-wide account is 100% free for all!
Who is eligible to become a host?
To be eligible to become a host you must:
- Be a UW-Madison employee, faculty member or student leader of a Registered Student Organization (RSO). The RSO must provide food recovery or food donation services as part of its mission.
- Host a minimum of two events per semester
- Intend to use the Free Food Alert platform regularly
How often will I receive Free Food Alert notifications?
The frequency of alerts depend on the number of giveaways. As more hosts use the platform, the frequency of alerts will increase!
How do I make sure food is safe to eat?
The quality and safety of the food is under the responsibility of the host, who sends out the alert and manages the event. Hosts undergo training to ensure the quality and safety of the food. Hosts follow the guidance developed by Environment, Health & Safety.
What information about the giveaway does the notification provide?
The notification will tell you what food is available, where the giveaway is located, how long the giveaway will last, the special dietary options (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten free, etc.) and the allergens of the food available.
Who is the Free Food Alert administrator at UW-Madison?
The Zero Waste Team at the Office of Sustainability manages Free Food Alert at UW-Madison. Email: zerowaste@sustainability.wisc.edu