By GARY LEE
The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma held a groundbreaking ceremony April 1 for new $28 million construction project that will double the size and capacity of its operations.
The groundbreaking event was held at the Food Bank’s facility, 1304 N. Kenosha Ave. The project will increase it’s footprint to 140,000 square feet
from 78,000 square feet. It will be completed by the summer of 2023.
“This groundbreaking marks a new chapter for the Food Bank and its ability to address food insecurity across the area,” said Calvin Moore, president and CEO of the Food Bank. This is “an opportunity to celebrate and recognize those whose support has made this project possible.”
The expansion will increase capacity in the culinary center, volunteer center, warehouse, and partner agency access. Updates to the culinary center, including commercial-grade kitchen equipment, will allow the agency to increase its service to 40,0000 from 11,000 meals per week.
The project will also expand the warehouse by 30% and support fresh produce distribution through increasing freezer and cold storage space.
The Food Bank, one of the largest community relief programs in Oklahoma, serves more than 350 partner agencies in Eastern Oklahoma. In 2020, the Food Bank distributed more than 32.8 million pounds of food.
