Beck: Help make State College Food Bank’s vision for new facility a reality
The State College Food Bank (SFCB) is embarking on a transformative journey with the launch of its $3 million capital campaign, aptly named “Fighting Hunger. Feeding Community. Building Hope.” The campaign aims to create a new, expanded home for the food bank, addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation have exacerbated the need for the food bank’s services, resulting in a 40% increase in individuals served in the past year alone. The capacity of current facilities falls short of meeting this growing demand. To confront this challenge head-on, the food bank has acquired a larger facility that will double its service capacity and ensure that dignity remains at the heart of its mission. To turn this vision into reality, we’ve launched our first ever capital campaign. The funds raised will be used to renovate, expand and equip the new facility, creating a space where the food bank can combat food insecurity more effectively than ever before.
The State College Food Bank invites everyone who shares its commitment to ensuring that no one in Centre County goes hungry to join hands in this effort. Together, we can build a stronger community where every neighbor has access to the nourishment they need.
Honorary Campaign Chairs Join the Fight Against Hunger
The State College Food Bank is proud to announce that community leaders, Coach Manny Diaz and Dr. Stephanie Diaz, have graciously agreed to serve as Honorary Campaign Chairs for the campaign.
Manny Diaz is widely recognized in the college football world and beyond for his 15 years of experience as a top defensive coordinator as well as a three-year stint as a head coach at Miami. Stephanie Diaz has demonstrated a strong commitment to our community as a weekly volunteer of the State College Food Bank and has spent much of her life in service to others through various organizations and mission trips.
Key Points of the Campaign
$3 million goal: The campaign seeks to raise $3 million to support the new facility’s renovation, expansion, equipment and programmatic growth. The campaign has thus far secured $2,100,000 from the Food Bank’s Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and other lead gifts.
Matching funds: Dave and Hollie Woodle, through their extraordinary generosity, have pledged $100,000 in matching funds, effectively doubling the impact of contributions made to the campaign by the community.
Expanded capacity: The new building will double SCFB’s current operating space and will feature a loading dock, larger walk-in freezer and refrigerator spaces, dry storage, and produce-prep and food-sorting areas. This expansion greatly enhances our capacity to fulfill our mission. The new space will allow SCFB to better utilize all the donations we receive, stock a broader selection of culturally responsive foods, and provide a wider variety of food for everyone.
Enhanced services: The expanded food-distribution capacity, storage, parking and overall efficiency will also enable SCFB to not only enhance existing programs but also establish new ones. For example, a new system for delivering personalized grocery orders, expansion of the No-Cost Produce Markets, and strengthening the ability to supply food to other pantries and feeding programs in our area — a crucial element in our plans to effectively combat hunger across Centre County.
Community support: The State College Food Bank has always relied on the generosity of our community members, and at this exciting moment, we must once again turn to our supporters — those who share our deep commitment to feeding our neighbors in need. Support from individuals like you will be essential in fully realizing our vision for the food bank, and we humbly ask you to consider making a gift to this important project.
For more information about the State College Food Bank and the capital campaign, please visit www.scfoodbank.org or follow us on Instagram: @scfoodbank and Facebook at State College Food Bank.