october 7, 2015
2,000 sq. ft. expansion to meet demands on Foothills Food Bank
NORTH VALLEY –While the national economy has started to grow modestly, that is not occurring at the same pace in our local communities. The food Bank client base continues to expand (new families are helped each week) and the trend suggests that it will continue for the foreseeable future.
In terms of financial support, their donor base continues to grow, but realistically, their financial needs far exceed the level of donations. While they receive generous support on the local level, the cost of certain food staples and services continues to substantially grow.
In addition, in their desire to assist their clients in as many ways as possible, the Food Bank continues to start new initiatives. Snack Pack Program and SNAP provide vital services which require space for staging and packing food and a place to prepare paperwork.
There are children who benefit from the free and reduced lunch program in our public schools, but who are left without enough food on days they don’t attend school. The Snack Pack program aims to provide preschool, grade school and high school children in the Cave Creek Unified School District with food items to take home with them over the weekends. According to Executive Director Pam DiPietro, the Snack Pack program is currently outsourced due to space limitations and is costing the food bank money each month. Costs will be greatly reduced when the program is managed from within the food bank.
As of January, 2015, the Food Bank aids their clients in filing for food stamps through SNAP. The process and forms are not easy to complete. They walk you through the application, helping you to fill it out properly and prevent any issues.
Although they moved into the renovated facility just 2 short years ago, it has become apparent that the Food Bank requires an expansion of its existing facilities. This will allow them to meet growing client demand, support new initiatives and plan for the future. The highlights of this project will include a significant expansion of our cold storage facilities (both refrigeration and freezer), storage shelving, packing for fulfillment of client orders and the client reception area. The expansion will be approximately 2,000 square feet.
They need your help!
The estimated cost of this project is approximately $350,000. While the Food Bank has access to certain financing, it is our strongest desire to have this project financed by the generosity of our local communities and individuals. Please complete the Building Expansion Pledge Form and return it to our office. Any contribution is more than no contribution and all donations are greatly appreciated. Whether it be $10 or $100,000, every dollar counts.
Ensure it is designated for Capital! The Building Expansion Pledge Form is here:
Visit www.foothillsfoodbank.com for more information, call 480-488-1145 or visit 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Cave Creek.
Thank you for your support!
