Treasure Coast Food Bank breaks ground on multi-functional facility

New facility will have a transformative impact on the region

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Feb. 16. 2024 – Today, Treasure Coast Food Bank (TCFB), the largest hunger relief organization on the Treasure Coast, broke ground on its new 132,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility at 400 Loop Road in Fort Pierce. The groundbreaking coincides with TCFB’s 35^th year of providing services to the Treasure Coast community. The state-of-the-art facility will consolidate its operations and include cold storage, a full kitchen and support an efficient coordinated response to community needs in the event of a man-made or natural disaster.

Treasure Coast Food Bank anticipates a 12% increase in the number of clients served annually. Through wrap around services, including food distribution, job training programs and community engagement, the food bank will continue addressing hunger’s root causes with sustainable solutions.

“Today, we’re witnessing neighbors who never imagined needing assistance turn to Treasure Coast Food Bank for the first time,” said TCFB President and CEO Judith Cruz. “The enormity of the need is staggering and will only escalate with the projected 20% population growth over the next five years. This new building will ensure we are prepared to meet our neighbors’ increased demands, not just for today, but for the future.”

Slated to open in 2025, the new facility will increase nutrition meal distribution by 76% to help meet the growing demand, now 34% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the Treasure Coast Food Bank’s mission to address the root causes of hunger,” said TCFB Board Chair Mitch Hall. “The groundbreaking of this new facility is the continuation of our comprehensive plan to expand operational capacity in order to meet the needs of our community members facing food insecurity.”

The facility is expected to bring a one-time economic boost of $32.2 million during construction and an annual recurring positive impact of $12 million. In addition, the facility will enable the organization to exceed the number of people it serves, currently 250,000 weekly, while creating over 50 new jobs.

“Today’s groundbreaking is not just about the construction of a new building. It’s a celebration of growth, of dreams turning into a reality, and of the strength found in the community,” said Carol Garrity, Senior Director of Member Engagement at Feeding America. “This new facility represents a promise for the future – a future where no one goes to bed hungry, where every child has the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy, and where hope is nurtured daily.”

The community impact of TCFB’s new facility will include:

• Economic Boost: Creation of 53 direct new jobs, 5 indirect jobs, and 11.5 induced jobs.
• Client Base Growth: Anticipate a 12% increase in the number of clients served
• Enhanced Food Distribution: Aim to enhance nutritious meal distribution by 76%.

• Community Engagement: Expand volunteer opportunities, targeting a 50% increase in
• Partnership Expansion: Strengthen community partnerships with a 20%
• Workforce Development: Expand Job Training programs by 50%.

Treasure Coast Food Bank’s vision centers around three powerful words: FEED, UNITE, FLOURISH. To learn more about TCFB and its programs, visit stophunger.org.

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ABOUT TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization on Florida’s Treasure Coast, providing the community each year with millions of meals valued at more than $50 million through robust programs and in partnership with 300 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. In addition to emergency food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank operates a full roster of direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security, better health outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Treasure Coast Food Bank is a Partner Food Bank of Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. For more information on Treasure Coast Food Bank, stophunger.org or follow us @TCFoodbank on Facebook or Twitter.