MCFB Conroe Expansion Boosts Food Aid Capacity

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Montgomery County Food Bank Unveils $7.5 Million Conroe Facility Expansion, Tripling Cold Storage Capacity to Meet Growing Community Needs**

**CONROE, TX – May 15, 2024** – The Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) today announced the official completion of its landmark $7.5 million facility expansion at its Conroe headquarters, located at 1 S. Trade Center Pkwy. Concluding ahead of its original Q4 2024 target, this transformative project dramatically increases the food bank’s capabilities to address the escalating challenge of food insecurity in one of Texas’s most rapidly expanding regions.

Breaking ground in October 2022, the expansion was the cornerstone of the “Nourishing Lives, Sustaining Futures” Capital Campaign. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of dedicated donors, MCFB’s main hub now spans an impressive 70,000 square feet, marking a significant leap forward in its mission to provide nutritious food to neighbors in need. The project included the addition of 11,000 square feet of brand-new space and a comprehensive renovation of 4,000 existing square feet.

A pivotal enhancement is the addition of 5,500 square feet of new cold storage, which effectively triples MCFB’s refrigerated and freezer capacity. This “game-changer,” as described by food bank leadership, enables the organization to handle a substantially greater volume of fresh produce, dairy, and frozen meats, ensuring a wider variety of healthy, perishable items can reach families and individuals. The expansion also includes an additional 5,500 square feet of dry storage, further optimizing inventory management.

Beyond storage, the facility now boasts a dedicated loading dock specifically designed for MCFB’s network of partner agencies. This crucial addition is expected to significantly reduce wait times, streamlining the food pickup process and allowing agencies to more efficiently distribute resources within their communities. Volunteer engagement, a cornerstone of MCFB’s operations, has also been significantly bolstered with a brand-new volunteer center capable of hosting up to 150 individuals at a time. This modern space will enhance the volunteer experience, fostering a more efficient and welcoming environment for the hundreds of community members who lend their time and effort annually. The renovation is rounded out with new office space, a dedicated training room, and a refreshed exterior, creating a more functional and inviting facility overall.

“This expansion isn’t just about a bigger building; it’s about a bigger impact for Montgomery County,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “With these new capabilities, we are poised to distribute an estimated 25 to 30 million meals annually. This is vital when we consider our county’s explosive population growth – currently around 700,000 residents and projected to reach a million by 2030. Tragically, one in five children and one in eight seniors in our community currently face food insecurity.”

The ambitious $7.5 million undertaking was made possible through widespread community support and significant contributions. A lead grant of $3 million from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation underscored the project’s critical importance. The Foundation, known for its global efforts in food security and sustainable development, recognized the strategic value of MCFB’s expansion in addressing local hunger.

Key local and regional partners also played an instrumental role, including the Conroe Industrial Development Corporation, whose investment highlights the project’s importance to the area’s social infrastructure; The Woodforest Charitable Foundation, a long-standing supporter of community well-being; Amegy Bank; and numerous other corporations, foundations, and individual donors.

“The ‘Nourishing Lives, Sustaining Futures’ Capital Campaign represents the very best of Montgomery County – a community coming together to ensure no one goes hungry,” said Mark O’Connell, Chairman of the MCFB Board of Directors. “This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a beacon of hope and a vital resource for generations to come, allowing us to not only meet the immediate needs of our neighbors but also to build a more resilient and food-secure future.”

Residents and organizations interested in learning more about Montgomery County Food Bank, volunteering, or making a donation are encouraged to visit their website at 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. Montgomery County Food Bank provides food for 60,000 unduplicated low-income individuals in Montgomery County each month through its network of over 70 partner agencies, pantries, and programs. The Food Bank’s main programs include the Senior Program, Kids Cafe, Mobile Pantry, and Community Assistance Program. The Montgomery County Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of Feeding America and Feeding Texas.

**Contact:**
[Name of Media Contact, e.g., Sarah Davis]
[Title, e.g., Communications Director]
Montgomery County Food Bank
[Email Address, e.g., sdavis@mcfoodbank.org]
[Phone Number, e.g., (936) 539-6700]

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