The River Food Pantry Breaks All-Time Records

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Leading up to Thanksgiving, a Madison food pantry is helping more people than ever before. 

Staff from The River Food Pantry said they served more than 3,800 people last week. That’s a 19% increase on their previous record. 

They broke daily records last week, too. Last Tuesday they served 467 people, which was the highest daily number ever. Then, the next day, they served more than 500. 

Last week staff and volunteers at The River distributed more than 50 tons of groceries, providing more than 3,100 meals to people in need. 

According to Feeding America, 9.2% of people in Dane County are facing food insecurity. That’s in line with national averages. However all over the country, including here in southern Wisconsin, need just keeps growing after the start of the pandemic.