The River’s Community Meals Coordinator, Chris Tuttle (left), and Meals Coordinator Assistant, Rachael Maynes, pose in front of curbside distribution, which is now separated into two lanes to make it more efficient for families to pick up FAM multiple times a week.

To increase accessibility to free prepared meals in Dane County, The River has expanded its meal program, FAM (Family At-Home Meals). Each client can now pick up meals for everyone in their household up to four times each week instead of only once. Meals are available for curbside pick-up on Tuesday–Friday from 10am–2pm.

“Before COVID-19, we welcomed anyone to come share in The River’s on-site community meal up to six times each week,” said Rhonda Adams, Interim Executive Director of The River. “As the need for food assistance grows, we’ve been working to expand FAM to help fill that nutrition gap.”

FAM provides healthy, ready-to-eat meals for families to share in the safety of their homes. These balanced meals are portioned to meet the needs of different family sizes with vegetarian alternatives. The menu changes each week to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

“A lot of people are feeling the stress of virtual school and really appreciate a ready-to-eat or reheat meal,” said Chris Tuttle, Community Meals Coordinator of The River.

Since its inception in June, FAM has served over 22,493 meals to local families.

Learn more about FAM at riverfoodpantry.org/fam-family-at-home-meals. Sign up to volunteer with FAM at riverfoodpantry.org/volunteer/with-fam.