By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Hatfield, MA) The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will be moving from its Hatfield location to a new home in Chicopee. The move will put the headquarters on 16.5 acres of vacant land and near multiple major highways at the Chicopee River Business Park. The warehouse and distribution center will also be moving to that location.
Andrew Morehouse, Food Bank Executive Director, said “this property is located strategically at the intersection of three major highways. It will not only accommodate a larger warehouse to meet our growth needs for the long term, but it is also close to the largest population center of our region with the highest concentration of households at risk of hunger and/or food insecurity both historically and at this critical
moment.”
The Western Mass Food Bank serves Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry distributed 12.4 million meals either through independent food pantries in the area or through it’s own direct food distribution programs. The current warehouse in Hatfield is too small for the current operations of the facility.
“Our warehouse staff has overcome tremendous obstacles to keep up with demand during the pandemic, working long hours and finding creative way to get the food out to those who need it,” said Shirley DelRio, Director of Food Operations.
The design and construction of the new building at the Chicopee location is pending.
“We want to design and construct a building that will provide maximum storage capacity potential, that is energy efficient and utilizes green technology, and is adaptable and welcoming to the surrounding community,” said Morehouse.
A link to the full press release can be located here.