Houston Food Bank Plans Major Expansion

The Houston Food Bank has announced plans to construct a new, expansive facility in northwest Houston, with a projected cost of approximately $145 million. This new location will operate alongside the organization’s current food bank on Portwall Street, bolstering its ability to serve the community.

New Facility Details

The new facility will be located at 2121 West Mount Houston Road and will span 305,000 square feet. It will include 120,000 square feet dedicated to warehouse space, situated on a 53-acre property.

Increased Capacity Needed

According to Julie Voss, Chief Development Officer of the Houston Food Bank, the expansion is crucial due to current capacity limitations. “Last year, we distributed 168,000,000 pounds of nutritious food, and this facility was built to accommodate about 120,000,000 pounds of food to distribute,” Voss stated.

Funding and Timeline

The total estimated cost for the facility, including construction and architectural fees, is around $145 million. The Houston Food Bank is currently undertaking a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds. Voss noted the campaign has already received “great support from the community” during its initial, silent phase.

Projected Completion and Future Goals

Groundbreaking for the new facility is anticipated this year, with an estimated completion date in 2027. Full operational capacity across both facilities is projected for 2033 or 2034. The Food Bank aims to distribute approximately 300,000,000 pounds of food annually once both locations are fully functional.