MILFORD — Milford Food Bank, a vital resource in the fight against hunger in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, marked a significant step forward in its mission with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility on Thursday.
Volunteers, staff, board members, community members and supporting business representatives gathered Thursday to celebrate the organization’s milestone.
Board President Joe Shetler opened the ceremony with some of his favorite moments from the last year when he felt God was moving and he got chills. He shared about the plans for the building and what companies have stepped up to donate their time and materials to make the project a success.
Pastor Marcus Miller prayed a blessing over the project and the people involved. Following the blessing, Milford Food Bank staff and board members officially broke ground with their gold shovels signifying the beginning of the expansion project. The project represents crucial growth for the Food Bank, promising to profoundly impact food distribution efforts within the region.
The new 14,000 square foot facility will provide a substantial increase in food storage capacity and packaging capabilities, organizers said. Furthermore, the new facility’s location and features will lead to enhanced operational efficiency, allowing Milford Food Bank to serve exponentially more food organization partners across the region. This expansion will directly translate into more food reaching more individuals and families in need.
Milford Food Bank’s capital campaign to raise $1 million for the project is about 80 percent to its goal.
“We have been meeting with individuals, local businesses and our partner organizations to ask for their support in this campaign,” said Angie Deak, MFB development manager. “With donations big and small, we can build a facility that will not only serve our immediate needs but also position us to continue serving Michiana for decades to come. God has been faithful to us, and we feel blessed to be at this stage in the project. We are excited to see what else He has in store for MFB.”
Milford Food Bank’s services extend across Kosciusko and Elkhart counties, and 22 other counties in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, reaching over 125,000 people each month. By partnering with over 200 food pantries, recovery homes, churches, backpack programs and community kitchens, Milford Food Bank distributes over 350,000 pounds of food each month, providing a lifeline to those in need.
More information: milford foodbank.org/newbuilding or Deak at angie@milfordfood bank.org.