Milwaukee's SHARE program is shutting down after 27 years



MILWAUKEE -- SHARE, an organization that has helped thousands of families save money on food for 27 years, is shutting down for good.

SHARE organizers say rising prices and changes in market forces make it impossible for it to cover its overhead expenses. "We find that the approach that we've had to helping people save money on food is really not as necessary as it was back in the early 80s when we began," Paulette Flynn, Executive Director at SHARE said.

SHARE helps people save money on groceries through its volunteer-run distribution network. It buys food in bulk, and savings are passed on to families.

SHARE serves between 6,000 and 8,000 families a month, but it has seen a decline in participation.

"In a way, I think we can believe that the purpose that SHARE was developed to meet has been fulfilled, and we're glad people will have options to buy food in a normal way at a store in their neighborhood, in their community," Flynn said.

SHARE's mobile market program will run through June. It will continue operating if SHARE finds a new organization to sponsor its efforts.

SHARE's last distribution will be on Saturday, May 19th.