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.