Enhancing Access to Nutritious Food in Central Texas
Expansion of Central Texas Food Bank's Facility
The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is embarking on an exciting journey of growth with the help of New Markets Tax Credit financing amounting to $18 million. This significant funding will enable CTFB to expand its existing facility, which encompasses 65,000 square feet. The strategic location of this new facility positions it to provide services to the nine most food insecure counties in the area, five of which are rural. This expansion aims to create or retain 171 full-time jobs, including 28 new positions, as well as 59 construction jobs. Such a move not only improves employment opportunities but also enhances the overall operational capacity of the food bank.
Partnership with Rural Development Partners
A Collaborative Mission
Rural Development Partners (RDP) expressed pride in partnering with CTFB for this essential project. According to RDP's Chief Executive Officer, Dan Helgeson, the new Waco facility is vital in the battle against food insecurity across the region. This partnership is expected to foster growth and positively impact the community’s vulnerable residents.
Strategies and Amenities of the New Facility
The design of the new facility is carefully tailored to meet the increasing needs of the growing population in Waco and its surroundings, focusing on accessible and nutritious food. Here are some highlighted amenities:
Food Bank & Warehouse
This area will be equipped to handle dry, refrigerated, and frozen foods, which facilitates rapid inspection, sorting, distribution, and cross-docking. This efficiency ensures that food reaches those in need as quickly as possible.
Resource Center
The Resource Center will feature a market-style onsite pantry, providing emergency food supplies. It will also house private office spaces for a dedicated team that assists individuals seeking government benefits and nutrition education.
Commercial Kitchen
One of the facility's standout features is a commercial kitchen dedicated to preparing fresh meals for children and older adults. Additionally, it will serve as training space for CTFB’s Culinary Training program, a twelve-week course designed to prepare community members for careers in the hospitality industry.
Volunteer Engagement
This area will create an inviting atmosphere for community members to assist their neighbors while improving CTFB's capacity to reclaim food from retail and various local sources.
Community Garden
CTFB plans to cultivate a garden that will allow for the growing, harvesting, and distribution of fresh produce to the local community, promoting healthy eating and sustainability.
Moreover, CTFB has reserved approximately 200,000 square feet of additional land for future expansion, indicating their long-term vision for addressing food insecurity.
The Vision Behind CTFB
CTFB stands as the leading nonprofit organization focused on hunger relief in the region. It works ardently to provide essential access to nutritious food for individuals within its expansive 21-county service area. By offering a mix of direct service programs and partnering with around 240 nonprofit community organizations, CTFB effectively supports over 530,000 individuals facing food insecurity each year.
Rural Development Partners' Commitment
Rural Development Partners is a Community Development Entity dedicated to building partnerships aimed at enhancing economic opportunities in rural America. Since 2004, RDP has received thirteen allocations from the US Treasury, totaling $816.7 million, to help nonprofits and businesses expand and thrive in underserved communities. Their mission aligns perfectly with CTFB's commitment to alleviating hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Central Texas Food Bank's expansion?
The expansion aims to enhance access to nutritious food for nine of the most food insecure counties in the region, creating jobs and improving operational capacity.
How much funding is being allocated to the new facility?
Central Texas Food Bank is receiving $18 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing for the expansion of their facility.
What amenities will the new facility include?
The new facility will feature a food bank & warehouse, resource center, commercial kitchen, volunteer engagement spaces, and a community garden.
What is the expected impact on employment?
The investment is projected to create or retain 171 full-time jobs, including 28 new positions, and generate 59 construction jobs.
Who is Rural Development Partners?
Rural Development Partners is a Community Development Entity focused on supporting businesses and nonprofits in rural areas, helping them grow and provide essential services.
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