By MaryBeth Matzek | Photography by Hillary Schave
When The River Food Pantry opens its new, larger building on Madison’s North Side in late January, it will be able to provide more services to more people, while restoring a sense of community.
“We built this center with clients in mind … We asked [them] what they wanted,” says Rhonda Adams, The River’s executive director.
That need to help others comes from Adams’ U.S. Army career, where she served for 21 years and retired as master sergeant. After serving her country, she wanted to find a way to aid her community. Adams found it at The River in 2013 and moved up the ranks from operations manager to executive director.
The River is Dane County’s busiest food pantry, with a record-setting 20,000 people served in 2025. Prior to the pandemic, clients selected groceries off of the shelves themselves. Throughout the pandemic, staff and volunteers shifted to a drive-through model to distribute groceries and to-go meals curbside. This method will continue in the new building, as Adams says most clients prefer staying in their cars.
The River also offers access to online grocery ordering and delivery, mobile meals and after-hours food lockers. The new facility has space for more services, including onsite dining and clothing distribution, as well as classrooms to collaborate with partners.
“By providing a place to eat, we create community, which is important,” says Adams.
“Having free clothing and household items were also valued by our clients, so we’re bringing that back. It was a service they missed when we stopped doing it during the pandemic.”
As The River settles into its new home, plans include kicking off a bike meal delivery service in the spring.
“We already deliver meals using vehicles but there are a lot of bike enthusiasts who want to help us deliver meals on two wheels,” Adams says.
What’s a small joy you look forward to every day?
“I love looking at the photos and videos I get daily of my grandchildren if I can’t see them in person. I can’t get enough of them!”
