The River Food Pantry voted Best Charitable Organization and Best Customer Service in Madison.com People’s Choice Awards

By Becca Carpenter
The River Food Pantry

“The key to good customer service is building relationships. Our staff and volunteers consistently go the extra mile to provide a positive and helpful experience to meet or exceed the needs of those we serve,” said Rhonda Adams, executive director of The River. “We are incredibly honored for this recognition.”

This marks the second year in a row that the community has voted the pantry the Best Charitable Organization among over 3,000 nonprofit organizations in the area. It is also the first time The River has won the highly competitive category of Best Customer Service.

“We believe these awards help break down the stigma surrounding using food pantries, which is something we continuously fight for,” Adams said. “Thank you so much to everyone who voted for The River and to all who support our efforts to feed our neighbors in need.”

Since opening in 2006, The River has become South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry. Through its combined services, the pantry served over 11,000 unique individuals throughout Dane County a total of 182,500 times last year. 

The River’s free services include curbside groceries, freshly prepared meals, delivery to the homebound, online grocery orders, and mobile meals for low-income neighborhoods.

“These awards are helping to solidify The River’s reputation as a trustworthy local nonprofit for those who are seeking nutritional assistance, as well as those who wish to donate their time, resources and/or dollars,” Adams said. “The more support we receive, the more we can do to nourish Dane County.”

Learn more about The River’s services and how to get involved at the website riverfoodpantry.org.