In the days since The River team moved into our new building, it sometimes feels like we’re living in the “after” picture of a HGTV home makeover show. The entire team, staff and volunteers are thrilled to be working in such an amazing space. To really understand our excitement (and gratitude!), look at these “before and after” images.
Curbside Groceries Upgraded to Drive-Thru
We had an outdoor curbside grocery line with some temporary awnings as the only protection for volunteers and staff. Volunteers delivered curbside groceries in all weather extremes. Now, we have a registration booth and an indoor drive-thru, constructed with the same features as an auto shop drive-thru that keeps volunteers and clients safe from the elements.
Dedicated Volunteer Lounge
Before, we had a bench with a few snacks smooshed next to the reception desk. Now we have a dedicated room with tables, chairs, lockers, a free little library, a new refrigerator, and space for volunteers to meet or take a break.
A Professional Kitchen
We had an improvised kitchen set-up built into a warehouse without suitable ventilation and other features needed to cook for large groups. Now we have one of Dane County’s only all-electric commercial kitchens, enough for volunteers to prep food for multiple programs simultaneously, a separate room for washing dishes, and adequate storage.
Top of the Line Kitchen Equipment
Previously, our kitchen team had one stove without all functional burners. We now have 10 burners and a tilt skillet!
Dining Area
In the old building, we did not have a dining area for clients. We had a table shoved into a corner in a high traffic area for staff to eat. Now we have a dedicated space that will fit many tables of different sizes to welcome clients. It’s still a work in progress, but we cannot wait to welcome the community to gather here later this spring for onsite dining!
Warehouse
Our old warehouse was so crowded that it was difficult to walk through without running into another person and sometimes a forklift. That size also limited growth in the number of people we could serve. Now we have room to better organize our inventory and put pallets 3 high throughout the space.
A Warm and Welcoming Lobby
Our old lobby was cramped, cold, and technically in the middle of a warehouse loading dock. Our new lobby is bright, professional, and welcoming.
Food Lockers
We now have twice as many after-hour food lockers that are temperature controlled allowing us to use them for refrigerated foods. That feature increases the range of food we can provide, but they will continue to be a good option for providing food that can be prepared with minimal cooking facilities. The new lockers have a built-in kiosk to access. So, unlike the old lockers, clients can use them even if they don’t have a smartphone.
Staff Office Space
Our office staff used to be crowded into small makeshift office spaces built into the corners of the warehouse. Now our staff has dedicated office spaces with doors, windows, and reliable heating and cooling.
Rhonda’s Office
In her old office, our Executive Director Rhonda Adams lacked a large enough place to meet with more than 3 people at a time. Now she has room to comfortably hold meetings with several employees, donors and other visitors at a time.
Want to see more? Check out some of this great news coverage from News 3 Now:
- A look inside the River Food Pantry’s new home
- In the 608: How you can help The River Food Pantry’s big move this month
- In the 608: The River Food Pantry preparing for big move in 2026
To everyone that contributed to the Recipe for Hope campaign. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
P.S. There will be opportunities coming soon for you to check out this amazing new building. Stay tuned for more information on our Grand Opening/20th Anniversary celebration on June 4, and our fourth annual Sips & Slices fundraiser in September.