Food Bank of Central NY expands to handle another 1 million pounds of food

Syracuse. N.Y. — The Food Bank of Central New York delivered 17.9 million pounds of food last year to more than 400 community organizations.

That may sound like a lot, but the organization is expanding to fill an even greater need. The Food Bank of Central New York last week broke ground on a 33,920-square-foot addition at its distribution center and office complex in Van Buren.

Once the expansion is done, the nonprofit organization will be able to store an additional 1 million pounds of food. The new space will also help the food bank process more fresh food, eliminating waste and increasing its customers’ access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to expand our warehousing capacity in order to continue making sure we’re capable of receiving and distributing even more nutritious food out to our friends and neighbors who may not know where their next meal is coming from,” said Karen Belcher, executive director of the Food Bank of Central New York. The Food Bank also will have more space to store personal hygiene products, which it began distributing during the pandemic.

The expansion is being partially funded through a $2 million federal grant, but the Food Bank still needs to raise money to complete the project, which is expected to be done in May.

Last month, the food bank began selling its pasta sauce under its own label to raise money and awareness.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Contact her anytime email | Twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246.