Workers at a nonprofit trying to ensure all residents of Florida's Tampa Bay region have enough food to eat soon will have a new headquarters and some additional funding from developer and builder Ryan Cos.
Ryan broke ground last week on the 210,463-square-foot facility at 4000 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa, Florida, for Feeding Tampa Bay, which hired Ryan as its contractor. In addition to housing the group's primary offices, the complex would serve as Feeding Tampa Bay's primary distribution center and contain more than 41,000 square feet of cold storage space, and an 11,000-square-foot production kitchen.
“With over 1 million food insecure families across the region, it’s vital for Feeding Tampa Bay to operate at the highest level,” Doug Dieck, president of Ryan's Southeast region, said in a statement. “This project will allow the organization to produce more meals per day, store fresh food for longer and educate the community on the importance of eating a balanced diet," Dieck said.
Feeding Tampa Bay President and CEO Thomas Mantz said the new facility is the first step to the group reaching its goal to end hunger by 2025. "More than a building, it will be the location that provides greater access to nutritious food and key support services improving the overall health and stability of those who need us," Mantz said in a statement.
Ryan, which said it would make a financial contribution to Feeding Tampa Bay, said it expects to complete the facility next year.