Maryland Food Bank Preps For The Future With $5.3M Renovation, Doubling Kitchen Size And Adding Offices

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Following more than two years of renovations, The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) inaugurated its refurbished Halethorpe headquarters late last week.

The $5.3 million renovation doubled the size of the facility's kitchen and introduced additional restrooms, computer labs, classrooms, and 24 state-of-the-art offices, the Baltimore Business Journal reports.

"Our ability to reach further into local communities, to bring more nutritious food, new programs, and really start the work to end hunger in our state is only limited by the resources we have. That's why this investment in our staff and our assets is so crucial to Maryland's future," said Meg Kimmel, MFB Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.

The need for a larger space was made evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased demand caused the MFB's employee count to grow substantially, increasing from 110 in 2018 to over 160 in 2023. According to the food bank, the growth necessitated new spaces, promoting enhanced cooperation across various MFB departments.

"From a strategic perspective, this combination of physical expansion, increased staff, and additional resources creates an atmosphere that positions us well for ongoing improvements in our processes and services, which will ultimately lead to better results for our neighbors," said John Wall, MFB's Director of Continuous Improvement.

The MFB has also expanded its warehousing and transportation infrastructure, enabling swifter and more precise food deliveries. The facility now boasts increased storage, accommodating 320+ pallets, equivalent to almost 1.2 million meals. MFB also added two compact trucks, facilitating quicker deliveries.

"This capacity-increasing expansion is one of our most exciting projects to date. It has been a labor of love—love for our neighbors in need—and it is the tangible proof of our commitment to the people of Maryland. We thank you for helping us succeed," the MFB said in a statement.

More News from Perry Hall

• Snow Flurries Possible In MD, Windy Cold Blast Rolls In The first snowflakes of the season may fall Tuesday in Maryland. A windy cold blast could bring a few flurries.
• Salmonella-Tainted Fruit Recall Expands, Sickness Reaches Maryland A popular fruit was recalled across 32 states due to salmonella, officials say. The sickness has now reached Maryland.