#USA #Bank of America #Food Security #Indio #FIND Food Bank

Bank of America Funds FIND Regional Food Bank

In a highly anticipated move to bolster community support, Bank of America has granted a generous sum of $500,000 to FIND Regional Food Bank. This grant is pivotal in facilitating the completion of FIND’s expansive capital campaign, which aims to construct a brand-new warehouse spanning 40,000 square feet on its Food Security Campus in Indio, California.

FIND Regional Food Bank is recognized as the largest food distribution center in the area, and the new facility is designed to meet unprecedented demand by providing nearly three times the existing storage capacity. This expansion comes in response to a significant rise in food insecurity that the community has faced, particularly highlighted during the pandemic.

The announcement took place during FIND's annual State of Hunger address, a gathering of key stakeholders focused on addressing food insecurity within the community. As outlined by Sherri Anderson, president of BofA in Inland Empire, the funding will contribute towards a state-of-the-art facility equipped with extensive cold storage capabilities for fresh produce, crucial for ensuring the community has access to healthy food options.

Additionally, the new facility will feature a fully sustainable rooftop solar array, which is integral to FIND's disaster response and resiliency plans. The grant from Bank of America not only supports infrastructure but also funds workforce development training within the new warehouse, thereby enhancing local economic opportunities.

Debbie Espinosa, President & CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank, expressed immense gratitude for this generous support. She noted that the funding will solidify their ability to offer fresh food and educational programs, while simultaneously establishing vital disaster-resilient infrastructure. This ensures that over 100 nonprofit community organizations can effectively provide assistance to individuals and families in need within the region.

The need for such measures is underscored by the fact that nearly 11% of residents in the Inland Empire experience food insecurity. The challenge is magnified within vulnerable demographics, with one in six children in San Bernardino County affected. FIND food bank has seen demand triple since the onset of the pandemic, leading to a dramatic shortage in their existing operational capacity.

To put this in context, FIND’s previous operations relied heavily on a 35,000-square-foot space complemented by three leased warehouses scattered across a staggering 100-mile radius. The newly established second warehouse is expected to increase the distribution of fresh produce by an impressive 60%, alleviating storage crises and allowing for faster response during emergencies.

Currently, FIND distributes over 20 million pounds of food annually across a network of 155 distribution sites, which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, and religious organizations, reaching approximately 125,000 individuals each month. Bank of America’s continued commitment to combating food insecurity is evident in their historical relationship with FIND and their backing of the Feeding America nonprofit initiative.

Recognizing the societal need, Bank of America has declared a recent commitment of $250 million aimed at tackling hunger across the nation. This consists of grants and active volunteer efforts to support local food banks in addressing rising demands.

In conclusion, the partnership between Bank of America and FIND Regional Food Bank stands as a beacon of hope and proactive action against hunger. The integration of enhanced infrastructure and community support services not only addresses the immediate crisis but also promotes long-term socioeconomic stability, ultimately aiming to eradicate food insecurity in the region.

This collaborative effort exemplifies how corporate responsibility can align with community needs for sustainable change, fostering healthier communities and a brighter future for all.