The River Food Pantry

About Us

The River Food Pantry strives to build a stronger, fully-nourished community for all Dane County
residents. Guided by the core values of respect, compassion, community, generosity, and caring, The
River focuses its efforts on eliminating food insecurity and improving nutrition among low-income
and underserved communities.

Building upon a foundation of community-organized dinners and a small emergency pantry, The River
officially opened in 2006. From its beginning, The River has focused on alleviating hunger and
creating a stronger community for all. Over time, The River expanded the number and reach of its
services to improve access to fresh, nutritious food to people throughout Dane County. More than
your average food pantry, we build community by offering opportunities to serve, donate, and
collaborate. Originally serving only a handful of households, today The River is South Central
Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry, serving over 3,000 people each week through a network of free,
mutually-supportive programs. We are currently laying the groundwork to support growing community
need for decades to come by constructing a larger, purpose-built facility near our current
location, which we expect to open in late 2025/early 2026.