Each week, The River serves over 3,000 people throughout Dane County with free groceries, meals, and personal care items. We need your help to keep the pantry stocked with a variety of items.
Most-Needed Items:
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meals that are microwavable and/or easy to open (e.g., pop-tops that don’t require a can opener)
- Cereal (hot and cold)
- Condiments
- Gluten-free items
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Seasonings
-
Hygiene items: hand soap, laundry soap, etc.
- Paper products: facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
Accepted:
- Non-perishable food
- Hygiene items
- Cleaning supplies
- Garden produce (Please wash and give directly to a staff member or volunteer.)
- Paper bags (Grocery size preferred. No plastic bags, please.)
- Egg cartons (12-count)
Not Accepted:
- Perishable food
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Used household goods
Donate via Amazon
You can also purchase food and essentials off The River’s list of most-needed items. Amazon will ship your purchases directly to us, and we will distribute your gifts to our neighbors in need.
Donation Drop-off Hours
Donations can be dropped off in the large black donation bin in the back of The River Food Pantry (2201 Darwin Rd) during the times below*. If the donation is larger than 10 grocery bags, please contact us in advance at helen@riverfoodpantry.org. If your donations are part of a food drive or fundraiser, please contact development@riverfoodpantry.org.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 8am–1pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–3pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–6pm |
| Thursday | 8am–3pm |
| Friday | 8am–3pm |
*If these times do not work for you, please call (608) 442-8815 to coordinate an alternative.
The River Food Pantry is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and the value of your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.