The River Food Pantry last week served more people than it has in a single-week period in the nonprofit’s 18-year history, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The latest number represents a 19% increase from the pantry’s prior record of households served in a week.
The organization, located at 2201 Darwin Road, served 1,558 households totaling 3,808 people last week. Typically, the River Food Pantry serves roughly 3,000 people per week. It also broke daily records two days in a row, serving 467 households on Tuesday and 507 on Wednesday. Over 50 tons of groceries and 3,114 meals were distributed in total last week.
The nonprofit is anticipating more high numbers this week as it distributes Thanksgiving to-go meals. It was open Tuesday from 9:30–3 p.m. and will run the same hours today.
Organizers cite rising food costs, inflation, and economic instability behind the rising demand. The pantry is seeking donations of nonperishable items, volunteers, and contributions to its Help Other People Eat (HOPE) Holiday Food Drive, which has not yet met its fundraising goal.
