Market Hours (NEW as of July 30)
The River has been tracking client traffic patterns since our rearrangement back in February. After surveying clients, volunteers and staff, we have concluded that an adjustment to our market hours makes sense. The new Market Session times are listed below and will be effective Tuesday, July 30.
| Day | Hours | Free Community Meal | Free Groceries | Free Clothing |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–1:30 pm | X Starts at 11:00 am |
X | X |
| Tuesday | 4:30 pm–7:00 pm | X Starts at 5:00 pm |
X | X |
| Wednesday |
11:00 am–2:00 pm SENIORS (60+) & VETERANS ONLY |
X Starts at 11:00 am |
X | X |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–1:30 pm | X Starts at 11:00 am |
X | X |
| Thursday | 4:30 pm–7:00 pm | X Starts at 5:00 pm |
X | X |
| Friday* |
4:30 pm–7:30 pm | X Starts at 4:30 pm |
X | X |
*Free rides home within a 3-mile radius on Friday only.
Meal and clothing services close 15 minutes before the market closes to ensure all have adequate time to shop the market. Doors may open early at the discretion of management.
Inclement Weather Policy
For the safety of our clients, staff and volunteers, The River will close if the Madison Metropolitan School District cancels school due to inclement weather conditions. If the inclement weather day is outside of normal school hours, our management will decide whether or not The River will close. Closures will be posted on this page, our homepage, and on our social media channels.
What to bring to The River in order to shop
First-time visitors, please bring proof of address and ID’s for each household member. A recent bill dated within 3 months is best for address proof. Examples of documents for household member ID’s include: insurance cards, school IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, vaccination records, etc. Every visit thereafter please bring only the white registration card that you will be issued.
Download a list of acceptable documentation
Interested in making a donation?
Donations can be dropped off at The River Food Pantry, 2201 Darwin Rd, Madison, WI 53704:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 A.M–5:30 P.M.