#Rural Development Partners #Central Texas Food Bank #New Markets Tax Credit

Expansion of Central Texas Food Bank's Waco Facility

The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is set to expand its facilities in Waco, Texas, thanks to a generous $18 million financing package through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) from Rural Development Partners (RDP). This investment, aimed at enhancing food security across the region, covers the development of a new 65,000 square-foot facility positioned to meet the needs of the local population.

Addressing Food Insecurity

The expansion is pivotal for nine counties classified as food insecure, five of which are primarily rural areas. According to CTFB officials, this strategic move aims to bolster operations at a time when the demand for food assistance has been rising. The financing is projected to create and retain a total of 171 full-time equivalent jobs, with 28 new positions added alongside the 59 construction jobs during the facility's development phase.

Dan Helgeson, CEO of Rural Development Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with CTFB, stating, "RDP is proud to partner with such a wonderful organization. CTFB's new Waco Facility will go a long way in helping them continue their efforts in fighting food insecurity across the region." This collaboration highlights the critical nature of addressing hunger and bolstering the community.

Features of the New Facility

The new facility will serve not only as a distribution site for food but will also include various amenities aimed at improving service delivery and community engagement. Key features planned for the facility are:

• - Food Bank Warehouse: Designed for rapid inspection, sorting, distribution, and cross-docking of dry, refrigerated, and frozen foods, ensuring efficient operations to meet urgent community needs.
• - Resource Center: This market-style pantry will provide emergency food supplies along with private office spaces for social services, helping individuals navigate government assistance programs and nutrition education.
• - Commercial Kitchen: Aimed at preparing nutritious meals for vulnerable groups such as children and seniors, this kitchen will also facilitate culinary training courses, providing skills development for community members interested in hospitality careers.
• - Volunteer Engagement Areas: These designated spaces aim to foster a welcoming environment where community members can assist their neighbors while promoting increased food recovery efforts from grocery stores and other local sources.
• - Community Garden: An integral part of the facility, this garden will cultivate fresh produce that will be distributed to local residents, enhancing the available food options with healthy, home-grown choices.

In addition to immediate operational needs, approximately 200,000 square feet of land will be reserved for potential future growth, reflecting CTFB's commitment to evolving alongside community needs.

The Role of CTFB

As a leading nonprofit focused on hunger relief, CTFB provides vital services across a 21-county coverage area, assisting over 530,000 food-insecure individuals annually. The organization operates through a synergistic model that combines direct service programs with a network of around 240 nonprofit partners. This shared commitment to food access amplifies impact and underscores the importance of community collaboration in solving systemic hunger.

Conclusion

With this new funding and facility expansion, the Central Texas Food Bank is poised to enhance its reach and effectiveness in combating food insecurity. The partnership between CTFB and Rural Development Partners signifies a decisive step forward in ensuring that communities in Central Texas gain consistent access to nutritious food and support services for years to come. As highlighted by CTFB's President and CEO, Sari M. Vatske, this investment represents hope and progress for the many individuals relying on these critical resources.

For more information about CTFB and their initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media.