Funds will help purchase healthy ingredients for meals for local children and adults
Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation presents a $200,000 centennial gift to The River Food Pantry to support its Munch Mobile Meals program.
The River’s staff presented a variety of healthy ingredients that Munch will be able to offer thanks to Endres Manufacturing’s gift.
MADISON, Wis. — October 16, 2026 — Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation visited The River Food Pantry yesterday to present a $200,000 donation in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary. The generous gift will help support healthy initiatives for The River’s Munch Mobile Meals program, which delivers free, nutritious meals and fresh produce to children and adults facing food insecurity throughout Madison and Fitchburg.
Presenting the centennial gift, Endres Manufacturing owner Diane Ballweg reflected on the connection between nourishment and compassion, sharing a message from Mother Teresa about hunger.
“I’m reminded of what Mother Teresa said about how true hunger in the world isn’t for food. It’s for love. The River provides both,” Ballweg said. She praised The River’s volunteers and staff for the compassion they show through their commitment to serving others, helping address not only food insecurity but also the human need for care and connection.
The River’s Munch Mobile Meals program brings free meals and fresh produce directly to children and adults in 25 low-income neighborhoods throughout the community. The River will use the donation to purchase more quality foods for Munch meals, helping ensure that people of all ages have access to nourishing food.
“We are extremely grateful to Endres Manufacturing for selecting The River to receive this extraordinary gift,” said Rhonda Adams, Executive Director of The River. “This investment will make an incredible difference for the children and families who rely on Munch, helping us put nutritious food within reach of more people in our community.”
“Choosing The River Food Pantry for our fourth-generation gift was an easy decision. The pantry has given so much to our community, consistently providing the resources that help all of us thrive. Their passion, their engagement, and the vital role they play made it a natural choice,” said Sam Ballweg, President of Endres Manufacturing. “We’re especially excited to support their initiative to provide healthier, more nutritious food to the families they serve, and we’re thrilled to play a small part in helping them continue their important work.”
As Endres Manufacturing celebrates a century of business in Waunakee, its centennial gift reflects a commitment to the community and will help The River continue working toward its vision of a fully nourished community.
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About The River Food Pantry
The River is Dane County’s busiest food pantry. Services include free groceries for pickup or delivery, to-go meals, online grocery orders, mobile meals, after-hours food lockers and clothing. The River also recovers food and resources—that would otherwise go to waste—from local retailers. Since 2006, The River has grown to serve over 4,000 people every week in pursuit of its vision: a fully nourished community.
Media Contact
Becca Bolton
Communications Manager
becca@riverfoodpantry.org