Wichita Falls Area Food Bank launches fundraising campaign for new facility

The Wichita Falls Area Food Bank launched a fundraising campaign earlier this month to support the construction of the James N. McCoy Foundation Distribution and Education Center in Wichita Falls.

WFAFB CEO David O’Neil said the need has outgrown the current space. The current facility for the organization serves an estimated 28,000 individuals and the new center will serve the current 42,000 that need assistance along with additional support for others.

“For over 40 years, the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank has been dedicated to addressing hunger across North Texas and remains a responsible steward of donated funds and community trust,” WFAFB said in a release. “Looking into the future, the Food Bank is prepared for a new facility and is launching a capital campaign to increase capacity to better serve the needs of our neighbors.”

The new facility is planned to triple the capacity to distribute fresh and nutritious food, will provide on-site nutrition education classes and have a designated space for emergency and disaster relief products.

The new facility is being planned for the corner of Hammon Road and Production Boulevard, with a total budget of $18.6 million. Between a multi-year grant and cash reserves, WFAFB has invested $1.6 million in the project. 

“This new Distribution and Education Center will approximately triple the storage capacity with the ability to provide on-site educational programs, teaching individuals skills to make health-promoting and budget-friendly meals,” WFAFB said in a release. “Our collaboration with community partners to distribute food, with an emphasis on fresh produce, allows us to extend our reach to support the health and well-being of our neighbors across 12 counties.”

Campaign gifts can be given as a one-time donation or with a pledge that can be fulfilled over a period of up to three years. 

Pledge payments can be made by check, credit card, donor-advised fund, gift of appreciated property and gift of IRA retirement benefits by contacting the food bank at 940-766-2322. All gifts to the fundraising campaign are tax deductible.

WFAFB serves 12 counties, including Jack County, and has the 15th highest hunger rate in the nation. Approximately 1,470 people in Jack County, or a rate of 17%, live with food insecurity.