Last Friday, the Interfaith Community Services ceremoniously broke ground for its food bank expansion. Construction of the 2,700-square-foot food bank will begin late spring; it is expected to be completed by late fall.
“For the first time, we’ll have walk-in freezers and refrigerators for fresh and frozen products, so we can increase nutritional content and food selection for recipients,” said ICS Executive Director Bonnie Kampa in a press release.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, ICS mentioned it was looking for a $35,000 donation for a refrigerated van. Luckily during the ceremony, an attending foundation agreed to purchase the much-needed vehicle.
“What it will do is enable ICS to pick up fresh and frozen foods from grocery stores and other distribution centers as well as increase our ability to transport food from food drives around the city,” Deborah Carr said Monday. Carr is the donor relations’ manager for ICS. “It will really increase our food collection and distribution, particularly with fresh and frozen foods.
During the last fiscal year, the ICS food bank, at 400 square feet, served about 11,500 clients, which amounts to about $650,000 worth of food.
Though ICS had a successful capitol campaign of raising $350,000, it still needs another $100,000 to equip the new building. A Phase II campaign is underway to raise funds for refrigerators and freezers, additional shelving and storage, a pallet truck and racking, and a client waiting room that will include a children’s area, a release said.
