The Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee announced at 11 AM on Friday, July 13, 2012 the purchase of a larger warehouse facility to accommodate the region’s critical need for food assistance. The new headquarters is at 1027 Jericho Drive, off of I-81 at Exit 63 and is centrally located for the convenience of the Food Bank’s eight-county service area.
According to Executive Director Rhonda Chafin, the move is a key component of the Food Bank’s strategic plan. “Simply put, the Food Bank has outgrown its current space. In addition, the Food Bank has seen a 52 percent increase since 2007 in the number of households requiring emergency and supplemental food assistance, and the new facility will allow us to ensure that all of our partner agencies can effectively provide nutritious food to our most vulnerable individuals and families. “
Other benefits of the new location are that the Food Bank’s 200 partner agencies will have access to a larger inventory of food product, and the warehouse staff will be better equipped to accommodate the partner agencies. The new facility will allow the organization to save funds by taking advantage of additional donated and purchased food. Also, the new facility will allow for the formation of new programs and services to assist individuals receiving food assistance on a monthly basis.
Some renovations will be needed to equip the new location for operations. A cost-effective building renovation is being planned and includes a combination of in-kind donations and contracted work. The Food Bank plans to secure financial support for these projects through private donations and other funding sources. The relocation will take place sometime during Fiscal Year 2013.
Second Harvest Food Bank 