All Faiths Food Bank announces expansion

After 18 months of planning, All Faiths Food Bank is embarking on a $3.1 million expansion to double its size and capacity.

A $1 million donation from the Benderson family, owner of Benderson Development, leads fundraising efforts. Benderson Development also is providing planning and other services to assist with the expansion, said Susan Michelson Brown, chief administrative officer for All Faiths.

All Faith’s decision to expand its existing facility on Blaikie Court, in Sarasota, by 40,000 square feet stems from results from a feasibility study that examined other options, including relocating and having a satellite office. 

“They looked at all those scenarios and felt the most financially responsible option is to stay at this property and expand,” she said. “Our strategic direction is all based on need.”

Brown noted the expansion includes the addition of a 4,000-square-foot cooler/freezer, which will allow All Faiths to triple space for fresh produce, meats and other fresh items.

“Then for nonperishable, it’s allowing us to place our racking in a different way, so can add more rack space and be more efficient,” she said. 

Director of Marketing Laura Coyle said All Faiths will reach out to the community to raise the remaining money needed for the project. 

Last year, All Faiths Food Bank warehoused 7.1 million pounds of food, which it distributed to more than 95 partner agencies and programs for distribution to individuals in need in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.