The Chattanooga Area Food Bank broke ground on the Northwest Georgia Branch Expansion Project at a ceremony Wednesday at 1111 South Hamilton Ave. in Dalton. The newly named “Chattanooga Area Food Bank Northwest Georgia Branch Pierce Distribution Center” will allow the CAFB to better serve its community partners in Whitfield and the eight surrounding counties in Northwest Georgia.
"Breaking ground on our Northwest Georgia Expansion Project is a dream come true,” said Melissa Blevins, president and CEO at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “For the past 10 years we’ve made this warehouse work the very best we could to support the growing hunger-relief efforts in our Georgia communities. This expansion will benefit everyone. Once this construction is complete, we will be able to better serve our community partners and offer healthier and fresher food options for the families we serve through their hunger-relief programs.”
Earlier this year, the CAFB adopted a strategic plan that focuses on equitable access to food and resources while helping communities build pathways for a healthy, hunger-free future. These renovations will provide the Pierce Distribution Center with increased cold storage, loading docks, office space, and a designated volunteer space.
“Additional space and renovations will afford us more opportunities to focus on our strategic priorities and do this work even better,'' said Ms. Blevins. “We want to transform the way we serve and better provide for our community. With the amazing support from the community and across the state, we are committed more than ever to serving our Georgia neighbors in need.”
The expansion was made possible through funding from Georgia’s DCA CDBG-CV grant and private donors including local businesses, churches and The Frank P. Pierce Foundation.
“The Frank P. Pierce Foundation is pleased to participate in the important work of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in the Northwest Georgia area, in providing food to those who are unable to provide for themselves, especially the children of our area," said R. Wayne Peters, vice president and director of the Frank P. Pierce Foundation. "The NWGA community is blessed to be served by this organization, its many volunteers, and those who support this work.”
The expansion project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.