The River connects community to compassion.

Serving Dane County since 2006, The River Food Pantry provides food, resources and faith to build a stronger community. Services include free groceries, meals and clothing, as well as free mobile lunches for children and teens on non-school days. As the area’s busiest food pantry, The River serves over 1,000 households every week in pursuit of its vision: a fully nourished community.

The River shares new vision with The Cap Times

The River Featured on Emmy Award Winning television series; Wisconsin Foodie!

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Read our latest blog posts below!

Meet the Wuest Family

If you’ve been to The River on a Friday night in the past six years, you’ve met Justin. He describes himself as a “people person” and his wide smile and welcoming attitude are contagious. Alongside...

Steve Sachtjen Receives First Czerkas Distinguished Service Award

Steve Sachtjen receives The River’s first Czerkas Distinguished award from Board Chair Jennifer Zisser. MADISON, Wis. — October 26, 2018 — The River Food Pantry presented the first Czerkas...

9th Annual Harvest Dinner Best Yet!

“Grateful, thankful, blessed” were words that decorated the table centerpieces at our 2018 Harvest Dinner for Hunger. For us, they are also the heartfelt sentiments we have towards our attendees,...

H.O.P.E. for the Holidays

As Wisconsin's notoriously cold weather sets in, our minds and stomachs look forward to the holidays. From Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas hams, and everything in-between, a home-cooked meal with...

MUNCH: Lessons Learned

Written by Anna Novak, MUNCH Program Intern My summer interning with the MUNCH program was an incredible and invaluable learning experience. As I head back to school for my final semester, I will...

Take a Tour of The River

When you walk through our doors, you’re greeted by a smiling face—no matter who you are. People who visit The River—for assistance or to help others—come from all walks of life. When we have a...

The River Presents Vision for a Fully Nourished Community

MADISON, Wis. — September 13, 2018 — The River Food Pantry yesterday released a new strategic plan to guide the organization into the future. A Fully Nourished Community, The River’s Strategic Plan...

Appreciative Inquiry & The River

Over a year ago, The River embarked on a strategic planning journey. We used a process called Appreciative Inquiry. Part of this process involved holding a summit for all our stakeholders (clients,...

For the safety of the people we serve, our staff and volunteers, The River Food Pantry will close if the Madison Public Schools close due to inclement winter weather.

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