Montgomery Co Food Bank Expands to Serve More

**Montgomery County Food Bank Unveils Major Expansion to Meet Surging Local Needs**

**Conroe, TX – May 24, 2024** – The Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) officially opened the doors to its vastly expanded and renovated facility today, marking a significant milestone in the fight against food insecurity across the region. Located at 2222 North F.M. 1488 in Conroe, the grand opening celebrated a near-doubling of operational space, positioning the food bank to dramatically increase its capacity to serve a growing number of hungry residents.

The ambitious project saw the facility grow from 38,000 square feet to a sprawling 67,770 square feet, significantly enhancing its ability to store and distribute food. With this expansion, MCFB can now house an impressive seven million pounds of food, a critical boost in its mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need.

Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank, emphasized the urgency of the expansion. “The reality is that one in five children and one in seven adults in Montgomery County still struggle with hunger,” Marlow stated at the opening ceremony. “This expansion isn’t just about more space; it’s about reaching more families with the vital nourishment they need to thrive. It’s a huge step to tackle growing food insecurity in our area.”

A cornerstone of the renovation is the quadrupling of cold storage capacity, which jumped from 4,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. This enhanced refrigeration capability is a game-changer, enabling the food bank to store substantially more fresh produce, dairy products, and lean proteins. This means a greater variety of nutritious options can be distributed to partner agencies and, ultimately, to families and individuals. Efficiency in distribution will also see a major improvement with the addition of five new dock doors, bringing the total to nine, streamlining the intake and outflow of food donations and deliveries.

Recognizing the invaluable role of its dedicated volunteers, the food bank also tripled the size of its volunteer room, expanding it from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. This expanded area has been officially dedicated as the Willis D. Smith Volunteer & Education Center, honoring former CEO and current board member, Willis D. Smith, for his enduring commitment to the organization. Additionally, the renovated facility boasts a new multi-purpose training room, expanded office spaces, and increased parking to accommodate the growing team and volunteer base.

The $10.5 million expansion project, part of MCFB’s “Building Hope” capital campaign, was made possible through widespread community generosity. Jamie Betish, Board Chair, acknowledged the diverse support, stating, “This incredible endeavor would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our community, corporate partners, foundations, and government support. These partnerships are the bedrock of our success.” Commissioner James Noack of Precinct 3 also spoke at the event, underscoring the critical importance of community collaboration in addressing local challenges.

The growth reflects an exponential increase in demand for the food bank’s services. When the Montgomery County Food Bank first acquired its original facility in 2015, it served approximately 1.5 million meals annually. Today, that number has surged to 13.5 million meals distributed each year. This expansion is crucial for the food bank to not only keep pace with current needs but also to increase its reach and serve even more people efficiently and effectively in the future.

For more information on the Montgomery County Food Bank, to volunteer, or to donate, please visit www.mcfoodbank.org.

**About Montgomery County Food Bank:**
Montgomery County Food Bank is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite the community to fight hunger. As the leading hunger relief organization in Montgomery County, MCFB provides food and resources for hungry children, seniors, and families through a network of more than 70 partner agencies and food pantries. Through its various programs, the food bank aims to increase access to nutritious food and promote long-term food security for all residents of Montgomery County.