New Building, New Hope
Thanks to the hard work of the community and the generosity of many friends and donors, the Food Bank has reached its goal of a permanent home with the completion of the Donald W. Reynolds Food Distribution Center, which opened July 18, 2008. This new center provides the necessary space for storing, packing, processing and distributing over 6 million pounds of food every year. The need is great in our region and continuing to grow.
The Donald W. Reynolds Regional Food Distribution Center offers many long-term benefits to our region. The expertly designed warehouse allows the Food Bank to distribute more food strategically and efficiently, and to respond more effectively to changing local needs. Our new facility offers a way to reduce food waste and make more nutritious food available to those who need it.
But this project is about more than just moving large quantities of food. Our new facility will be the headquarters for the effort to reduce and eliminate hunger in northern Nevada and the Sierra. Nothing is more fundamental to our lives, our health and our communities than ensuring children, seniors and working people have access to the food they need to survive and thrive.
The support of individuals, families, businesses, philanthropic foundations and other organizations will assure the ability of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to distribute that food well into the future. Just as the Food Bank’s partner agencies bank on its support and services, the Food Bank is banking on the support of our caring and generous friends to support our efforts and sustain our work, day in and day out, all through the year.
An Increase in the Capacity to Feed More:
As we double our distribution to 10 million pounds of food over the next 2 to 3 years, we expect the majority of the increase will be in perishables, including frozen food, produce, prepared food and retail dairy/deli products, presently 39% of our distribution. Additional cold storage enables us to expand our produce program to accept seasonal offerings in volume from California and Arizona. Additionally, we can triple our dairy pickups from retail stores. Refrigerated capacity for our food rescue program will make more food available for on-site feeding programs. Delivery of produce and perishables will increase distribution of these product categories by 250,000 pounds each year over the next three years, based on program development targets for this category.
With more perishables and produce, we can reserve non-perishable and purchased food available for emergency food programs, and increase availability of fresh and nutritious foods for all agencies. Aligned with our focus on improving nutrition by providing more fresh fruits and vegetables, development of garden and greenhouse space is under consideration for construction at a later date, consistent with food security education and training.
Click here for more details about our new building
See pictures of the new Donald W. Reynolds Regional Food Distribution Center at our Photo Gallery.