URBANA, Ill. (April 1, 2022) – Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) today announced the purchase of a neighboring warehouse as part of their plan for expansion. The building, former home to Lang Distributing, is located just 23 feet to the north of the current EIF facility. The purchase modifies EIF’s original plan to expand their existing building to the south, and instead the two buildings will be connected and renovated.

 

“We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to purchase the building next to ours. Instead of adding new construction to our existing facility, we can add the same square footage at a lower cost,” said Kelly Daly, President and CEO of Eastern Illinois Foodbank. “I’m grateful to our Board of Directors and staff for their flexibility in making our vision for growth a reality. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community.”

The purchase allows EIF to:

·        Provide the same deliverables as the original plan at a lower cost (18,000 square feet of additional space, new volunteer center, addition of second dock area, additional cold storage)

·        Complete renovations in less time

·        Avoid disruption of service to EIF partner agencies during renovation process

·        Break down scope of work into smaller projects allowing for cost control

·        Build to the south if needs change in the future

       

Eastern Illinois Foodbank publicly launched a $3.6 million capital campaign, More than Food, in January to raise funds for the expansion, and have already exceeded the goal. Construction on the warehouse expansion is currently planned for summer 2022.

 

Anyone interested in learning more about the campaign can visit www.eifoodbank.org.

 

Videos about the vision and impact of the campaign can be found here:

It’s About More Than Food – April’s Story

Fight Hunger and Transform Our Community

 

About Eastern Illinois FoodbankEastern Illinois Foodbank works to alleviate hunger in eastern Illinois through cooperation with a network of food pantries, agencies and programs. The Foodbank distributes donated and discounted food throughout an 18-county service area in cooperation with more than 170 member agencies and programs. Through these agencies, the Foodbank provides food to more than 350,000 individuals each year. Eastern Illinois Foodbank is a member of Feeding America Feeding Illinois and the United Way of Champaign County.