The State College Food Bank is looking to swap spots in Happy Valley. Here’s what to know
The State College Food Bank is preparing to relocate to a larger facility after outgrowing its home of the past eight years, a move that could squeeze out an antique and vintage collectibles cooperative that’s been open for 25 years.
The nonprofit that provides food to thousands of people annually in Centre County is looking to say goodbye to 1321 S. Atherton St. The food bank plans to buy and move into 169 Gerald St., the home of Apple Hill Antiques.
“There are so many benefits to moving to a larger space, and this particular space is perfectly suited to our needs,” Executive Director Allayn Beck said in a written statement.
Renovations are expected to begin in summer 2023. The food bank expects to continue operating from its South Atherton location until the makeover is complete, Beck said. The organization expects to sell that building to help fund the purchase of its new home.
The building along Gerald Street is more than three times larger than the food bank’s current home, an increase of more than 11,000 square feet of floor space. It also offers more parking.
Stocking and storing more items at the South Atherton facility has become “increasingly more difficult,” Beck said.
“In the new location, the pantry area will be much larger, allowing staff and volunteers to serve more clients and to guide them through the space more safely and efficiently,” Beck said. “The new pantry will also enable us to expand our grocery distribution hours and enhance all of our programs.”
The food bank has rented a separate storage facility at the Nittany Mall for years, but that didn’t come without its challenges. The move into a single space should help volunteers “more efficiently sustain the grocery inventory in our pantry,” Beck said.
Nearly 600 people from upward of 300 households use the food bank monthly, Beck said. They serve upward of 7,000 annually through various programs.
“Although our name and location are based in State College, our mission and vision extend well beyond that,” Beck said. “This move will help us to do even more to make sure that one day, no one in Centre County goes hungry.”
Apple Hill, home to dozens of independently owned dealers, has remained in its Gerald Street location since it opened in 1997. The business declined comment Wednesday.