The River Food Pantry on Tuesday announced that it has successfully reached its $12 million capital campaign goal to fund a new, larger facility.
The funds will support:
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A 32,500 square-foot facility to accommodate increased demand and improve service delivery;
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Expanded access to groceries and meals through existing programs;
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Enhanced infrastructure to bring back services that were canceled due to the pandemic, including clothing and houseware distribution and indoor dining;
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Space for community partners to provide access to services related to housing, health care, employment, legal assistance, counseling and more; and
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Environmentally sustainable design to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
With nearly triple the space of the warehouse the pantry has rented over the past 19 years, the new facility will help The River meet the community’s increased need for food assistance.Â
As South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry, The River currently serves over 3,500 people each week through its free services. The River served a record number of people in 2024, and demand was up 14% in the first half of 2025.
Construction on the new facility is already underway, with the goal of opening at 3301 Packers Ave. on Madison’s north side in early 2026. Advanced Building Corp. is the contractor, and Ramaker & Associates is the architect for the project.
Related story: River Food Pantry nears construction campaign goal
