The Overture Center for the Arts will host food drive barrels in its building during the month of February in support of The River Food Pantry’s “Pack the Pantry” campaign. Guests attending performances throughout the month are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to help feed Dane County neighbors in need.
All donations will benefit The River, which recently moved into a new, larger facility on Madison’s North Side to better serve the rising number of Dane County neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
“Overture Center is a community gathering place,” said Shari Gasper, Overture’s director of communications, in a statement. “By coming together around creativity, storytelling and live performance, we’re also creating opportunities to show up for our neighbors in meaningful ways.”
Food drive barrels will be clearly marked and placed near the main doors, making it easy for guests to participate. Suggested donations include canned vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter and other shelf-stable items.
The River’s expanded space allows for increased access to food, resources and supportive services, making community partnerships more important than ever.
“We are very grateful to Overture Center for partnering with us to help fill The River’s new warehouse with food and essentials for our community,” said Rhonda Adams, executive director of The River, Dane County’s busiest food pantry. “All donations will help us serve over 4,000 people each week, including children, seniors, veterans and low-income families.”
The “Pack the Pantry” food drive at Overture Center runs through Saturday, Feb. 28 and is open to all performance attendees and the public. The River Food Pantry is also hosting a donation pop-up location at 127 State Street through Saturday, Feb. 14.
