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Nonprofit of the Month: The River Food Pantry

Oct 28, 2021, 1:17 PM

COVID-19 made the need maybe more significant than ever before. Food pantries are there to help.

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

Our Charitable Foundation has been able to help several food banks and organizations that provide basic resources to those in need. The need continues today and might be even more intense than ever as we continue to move through the pandemic and the economic changes that have come from it.

The River Food Pantry, in Madison, Wisconsin, is doing what it can to help. Founded in 2006, The River supports more than 1,000 households every week, with children aged 18 or younger about a third of the people served in the past year. Almost everything in its facility is donated or reused — not just the food itself, but even the shelves, doors, windows, and electricity. Their resources are fairly comprehensive, including fruit and vegetables, meat, diapers, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

After the COVID-19 lockdown began, visitors weren’t going inside that donated facility, but they still needed the resources The River makes available. Like many restaurants, The River offered curbside pickup and pre-made meals. Volunteers even deliver meals to those who can’t go out during the pandemic.

Support for families in need in the Madison area continues with a school supplies drive just a few weeks ago, and donations of food, personal items, and simply cash accepted throughout the year.

The River Food Pantry is supported by Hastings Mutual and Avid Risk Solutions.

For more on The River Food Pantry, visit the website.