The United Food Bank of Plant City will soon be on the move. It is relocating to a temporary facility at 2001 E. Cherry St., the former Autotronics Building on the campus of Hillsborough Community College.
The food bank will be closed the week of Oct. 16 as it makes the move but will reopen at the new location Oct. 23.
Food bank executive director Mary Heysek said she and her team of staff and volunteers aren’t wasting any time getting the temporary location up and running to provide hunger relief. “It’s happening fast, we’re moving all the freezers, our office operations, we have to get our IT operations up and running, there’s a lot that’s going to be happening next week,” she said. “Once we open we’ll continue to offer the same services, we’re hoping to not miss a beat.”
The food bank, that has been a lifeline for thousands of families for decades, has been operating out of its current location, a 10,021 square-foot strip mall on Alsobrook Street, since 2016. In recent years, the aging building has become too small and outdated to effectively meet the growing demand for its services.
With the number of people seeking assistance steadily rising, the organization’s decision to invest in a new, larger facility has been met with overwhelming support from the community. Its old building will be demolished the week of Oct. 23 by Wetherington Tractor Service to make way for the new facility, constructed by Dykstra Construction. The construction time frame is six to nine months. When complete, the building will feature increased office and warehouse space, areas for one-to-one client intake assessments, expanded group instruction rooms and a demonstration kitchen.
“There are so many businesses that have reduced their rates and are doing things at cost, I am thankful for this community,” said a grateful Heysek.
A community member even stepped up to help them find a temporary location. After months of searching for the right space, HCC Plant City President Martyn Clay offered a solution.
“When I realized that they hadn’t found a location I approached her and we discussed the opportunity of occupying some space we have on campus,” he said.
The college and food bank have had a positive working relationship for years. Many students volunteer at the food bank. “We’ve had a wonderful relationship with them and we’re delighted to have them here on campus,” said Clay, who hopes to make work/study funds available so the college can provide them with more volunteers.
It’s a symbiotic relationship, as some students with food insecurity use the food bank’s services. Trinkle facilities manager Molly Coufal said having the food bank on campus will benefit students who need the extra assistance. “We believe that if you’re hungry you’re not going to do well in school so we try to have something on campus so they can put something in their bellies to do well in school,” she said.
Food bank customers that visit its former building will find a sign out front with a QR code directing them to the temporary location.
As the week of the move approaches, Heysek is filled with excitement and optimism. “People have been asking if I’m ready, and I am,” she said.
For more information about the United Food Bank of Plant City visit ufbpc.org.