FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2024
City of Charlottesville and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to Celebrate Food Storage Expansion
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank will celebrate the completion of the Cold Storage Expansion 2024 project this Thursday, July 11 at 11 AM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1207 Harris Street. This project is a tremendous achievement, as the Food Bank will nearly triple its cold storage capacity to 560 square feet. This expansion will help the Food Bank distribute more nutritious fruits and vegetables to neighbors who need them, in the City of Charlottesville and surrounding counties. This distribution center served more than 22,000 community members last year.
“The staff and volunteers of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its food pantry network provide an invaluable service to the greater Charlottesville community,” said Grants Analyst Anthony Warn. "The City of Charlottesville is extremely proud to support them in their important work.”
This cold storage expansion will significantly enhance the Food Bank’s capacity to serve community members in need through the Food Bank’s network of partner food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and program sites. About 1/3 of the food the Food Bank distributes each year is fresh produce—healthy fruits and vegetables.
The roofline of the Food Bank warehouse has also been expanded to provide more shade and comfort to staff and volunteers, as well as help reduce weather wear on the new cold storage buildings.
Mayor Wade will have the honor of bringing the first delivery of fresh produce into the cold storage unit.
Media Contact:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
schneidera@charlottesville.gov