The River Food Pantry will resume services as if it officially opens in its new location down the street on Packers Avenue.
On Jan. 29, The River Food Pantry, now at 3301 Packers Ave., unveiled its new, larger space, which it needed after continued community demand. It briefly shut down operations at its old building on Dec. 23 while holding pop-up pantries around the North Side. The River will restart its operations today in its new 33,000 sq. ft. facility.
“This building is important, but it’s so much more than a building. This new facility represents hope, dignity, and the extraordinary power of community coming together to care for our neighbors,” said Rhonda Adams, executive director of The River.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
Key features in the new building include a fully electric kitchen, drastically increased storage space, actual offices for staff, a revamped drive-thru that offers better and more private accessibility, a larger parking lot and over 200 solar panels to supply electricity.
Increased space is something The River realized years ago. It serves 4,000 each week, but that number is nearly double what it was three years ago, Adams said. The River asked the community for feedback on what they wanted to see. The drive-thru lanes were one of the major concerns.
Previously, the line for cars in its drive-thru often poured out into Packers Avenue as the street changed into two lanes. Cars would zip by as drivers would try to get over, or the line would be too long and delay traffic.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
“The drive-thru lanes lead vehicles into an enclosed space that is far safer and more comfortable for clients and volunteers and staff, and will protect the quality of food we deliver and improve the efficiency of the pantry’s business programs,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice and The River’s Board Chair Susan Crawford.
The River holds a special place for many in Madison. Former Gov. Jim Doyle’s wife, Jessica Doyle, frequently volunteered there and brought her students to the pantry during her time as an educator in Madison.
“Through my years in public service, I learned that the true strength of any community is measured not by its wealth or its growth… but what it really is measured by is how it cares for its most vulnerable people,” Doyle said.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
The old building will be missed, but the new space is much needed to serve the community, Doyle said.
“That other facility, which I kind of miss in a way, was a place where you could feel the soul of this organization and what it was committed to doing,” he said.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, who lives in the area, is hopeful that The River’s expansion will help others across the county live to their best potential. Agard experienced food insecurity herself growing up in Madison.
“Together, we can ensure that absolutely no one has to choose between paying their bills and buying groceries,” Agard said. “This is how we lift each other up in times of strife. This is what defines a community.”
The River is now open today with its drive-thru and will slowly continue to restart previous programs like its Family at Home Meals in February. It is also opening up spots for volunteer shifts again.
A later celebration will be held on June 4th for its 20th anniversary and official grand opening.
