By Becca Bolton
The River Food Pantry
The River Food Pantry is excited to introduce several new programs designed to expand access to food, resources and community connections for our neighbors in need. These additions — classroom programming, community meals and after-hours food lockers — reflect our ongoing commitment to meeting people where they are and providing support in meaningful, accessible ways.
Community meals return
We’re thrilled to reintroduce onsite community meals in our new dining room, creating a welcoming space where people can sit down, enjoy a delicious meal, and connect with others.
Each meal features both meat and vegetarian entrée options, along with a variety of sides. While these meals are open to the community, they are primarily intended for clients of The River.
At this time, meals are offered every other week, with plans to expand to weekly service later this summer. Meals are dine-in only and will not be available for takeout.
Beyond the food, these gatherings are about restoring a sense of community in a comfortable, supportive environment. During meals, local organizations may have tables with information about additional free services and resources available in the community. The dining room is also used to host special events, such as Breakfast with the Bunny and our annual fundraiser, Sips & Slices.
To see the full meal schedule, visit riverfoodpantry.org/hours. Organizations interested in sharing information at a table during meals can contact info@riverfoodpantry.org.
Expanding access through classroom programming
The River has launched new classroom-based programs that bring valuable resources directly onsite. Recent sessions included a tenant rights information workshop led by the Tenant Resource Center and a small container gardening class hosted by Rooted.
These educational programs are part of a broader effort to make The River a hub for community support. By inviting partner organizations to host sessions onsite, clients can more easily access services and information that go beyond what we offer in-house.
To view upcoming classes and events, visit our website. Organizations that provide free services and are interested in hosting a session are encouraged to contact info@riverfoodpantry.org.
New after-hours food lockers
Food NOW (Nights Or Weekends) is The River’s after-hours food locker program, designed to provide immediate, short-term food support when other services are unavailable.
To expand this service, The River has installed new lockers on the northeast corner of the building, located under the metal awning. These lockers are accessible when the drive-thru grocery and to-go meal distribution are closed. Anyone is welcome to use the lockers; there is no need to be an existing client of The River.
Our previous building housed 10 lockers. Our new system includes 20 temperature-controlled lockers. Each locker is stocked with 15–20 items and may include foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks, beverages, fresh produce and personal hygiene products when available. Lockers also include information about additional programs and services offered by The River.
Learn more at riverfoodpantry.org/food-now-nights-or-weekends.
Expanding access, strengthening community
“We know food is only one piece of what people need to feel supported and stable,” said Rhonda Adams, Executive Director of The River. “By expanding these programs, we’re creating more ways for our clients to access resources, build community, and get the support they need all in one place.”
These new programs were made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters through our recent Recipe for Hope capital campaign to build our new facility. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where everyone has access to the resources they need.
