The organization wants to renovate the buildings and surrounding property, for a primary warehouse and distribution and operations center. The site will also double its current space from 60,000 to 120,000 square feet and expand capacity for the organization’s 325 partner agencies, the release said.

“Getting healthy, nutritious food into the hands of those in need is our top priority at Feeding Northeast Florida,” said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “This new campus will allow us to expand both the depth and breadth of our services. We are so grateful for the support of our community in helping us continue our mission to end hunger here at home.”

The food bank reported the need for food as 25% higher now than during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Feeding Northeast Florida has operated off of Edgewood Avenue since 2014. The food bank has expanded its network and can reach an estimated 85,000 people per day by food distributions, the release said.

The new facility will also optimize truck routes for the 5,500 mile, 8-county-wide distribution, as well as increase sustainability with the addition of a composting program and energy efficient freezer and cooler space.

The nonprofit plans to begin construction early next year and expects it will be completed by the end of 2023. The general contractor for the property is The Conlan Companies, and the design team is Thomas Duke Architect and Micamy Design Studio.

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2022/12/27/feeding-northeast-florida-buys-industrial-space.html