Each week, The River serves over 2,500 people throughout Dane County with free groceries, meals, and personal care items. We need your help to keep the pantry stocked with a variety of items.
Most-Needed Items as of September:
- Baby diapers, especially larger sizes
- Cereal
- Garden produce (Please wash and give directly to a staff member or volunteer.)
- Oatmeal
- Muffin mixes
- Low-sodium soup
- Low-sodium canned vegetables
- Low-sugar canned fruit
- Whole grain items
- Gluten-free items
- Aluminum foil and parchment paper
- Hygiene items: dish soap, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner
Accepted Items:
- Non-perishable food
- Hygiene items
- Cleaning supplies
- Garden produce (Please wash and give directly to a staff member or volunteer.)
- Paper bags (Grocery size preferred. No plastic bags, please.)
- Egg cartons (12-count)
- We only accept donations of clothing, household items, or toys that are brand new in the original packaging with tags. Please contact us in advance for approval.
Donate via Amazon
You can also purchase food and essentials off The River’s list of most-needed items. Amazon will ship your purchases directly to us, and we will distribute your gifts to our neighbors in need.
Donation Drop-off Hours
Donations can be dropped off in the large black donation bin in the back of The River Food Pantry (2201 Darwin Rd) during the times below*. If the donation is larger than 10 grocery bags, please contact us in advance at helen@riverfoodpantry.org.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 8am–1pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–3pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–6pm |
| Thursday | 8am–3pm |
| Friday | 8am–3pm |
*If these times do not work for you, please call (608) 442-8815 to coordinate an alternative.
The River Food Pantry is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and the value of your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.