If you have, you know that it is a nearly impossible decision. The River Food Pantry is here to ensure that no one in Dane County needs to face this all-too-real struggle alone.

Throughout 2024, more people than ever before have turned to The River for support. In fact, the average number of people we serve every week officially jumped to more than 3,000. This is a new record for us! By supporting South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry, you can give so many in our community one less worry: putting food on the table.

Nancy, a single mom of five children ages 12 to 21, knows this struggle all too well. She remembers many hungry nights when she could only afford to feed her kids, not herself. In 2015, things changed for Nancy when she discovered The River—a place that gave hope, support, and food for her family during tough times.

“When I’m really in need, I know I can fall back on The River to feed my family, which is the best part,” Nancy shared. “I’m making more money now, but I’m still living paycheck to paycheck. The prices of everything—food, gas, cost of living—have been outrageous. If I have the funds to buy food, then I’ll do that. We go to The River when we need it most and it has done wonders for my family.”

When you give to The River, you not only provide food for families, like Nancy’s, you give stability and peace of mind to our neighbors in need. Your generosity supports all of our services: free groceries and freshly prepared meals for pickup or delivery, online grocery orders, mobile meals, and after-hours food lockers.

Your contributions allow The River to purchase food and supplies that are vital to our community. This year, we have had to purchase more food than ever before to meet the historic community need. At the same time, the cost of food has remained high—even at wholesale prices!

This is an urgent request for support for the increasing number of children, seniors, veterans, and low-income households experiencing food insecurity throughout Dane County. Your year-end gift to The River will provide nourishment and stability for our community, so that our struggling neighbors can focus on other critical needs without having to compromise on one of the most basic: food.

All donations made to The River’s year-end drive will be MATCHED up to $100,000!

With immense gratitude,

Rhonda Adams

Executive Director
The River Food Pantry

P.S. For every dollar you donate, 95 cents goes directly to The River’s programs and services. Can you find it in your budget (and your hearts) to give $100, $500, $1,000, or more?