Good Shepherd Food Bank has been awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine for upgrades to the organization’s Auburn distribution center. The Food Bank plans to construct a modern, 115,000 cubic foot produce storage facility, with multiple zones for varying temperatures and humidity levels. The project will also include upgrades to the Food Bank’s current refrigeration systems and roof.

“We’re a food bank, but we want to focus on becoming the nutrition bank for the state of Maine,” said Kristen Miale, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “By working to acquire and distribute more nutritious, perishable food, we can help contribute to a healthier future for the state.”

The upgraded facility will allow the Food Bank to store fresh produce in optimal conditions for year-round distribution. The Food Bank receives approximately three million pounds of fresh produce a year from retail donors. The organization also works closely with Maine farmers to acquire local produce.

In calendar year 2014, Good Shepherd Food Bank distributed 4.8 million pounds of produce donated from retailers. When added to the 2,000,000 pounds of produce from Maine farmers, in total the Food Bank distributed 6,800,000 pounds of fresh produce in 2014.

"The sophistication of the Good Shepherd distribution center, and the work being done there, cannot be fully appreciated without seeing it firsthand,” said the Next Generation Foundation Trustees. “We are thrilled to support upgrades that will make the facility even better. Incorporating donated food and volunteer labor to help carry out its mission to feed the hungry, Good Shepherd is a fine example of Maine's tradition of neighbors taking care of neighbors."

In addition to the funding from Next Generation Foundation, the Food Bank was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and is working to secure an additional $200,000 in labor and additional donations. Total project cost is estimated to be $1,250,000.

The facility upgrades will result in cost savings for the Food Bank in the form of lowered heating and electricity expenses. The organization expects to save approximately $38,000 annually. The Food Bank plans to complete its cold storage facility upgrades by the end of 2015.

About Good Shepherd Food Bank

As the largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank provides for Mainers facing hunger by distributing nutritious food to 600 partner agencies across the state, including food pantries, meal sites, and youth programs. Together with its network, the Food Bank leads a statewide effort to combat the root causes of hunger by engaging in advocacy, nutrition education, and strategic partnerships.

In 2014, the Food Bank distributed more than 17.5 million meals to families, children, and seniors in need throughout Maine. Website: www.feedingmaine.org; Phone: 207-782-3554; Facebook: www.facebook.com/feedingmaine; Twitter: www.twitter.com/feedingmaine.