Harry Chapin Food Bank is taking significant steps to tackle the growing hunger crisis in Southwest Florida. They recently announced the construction of a Hunger Action Center, a large warehouse and distribution facility aimed at improving food access.
On November 19, over 125 community members, including leaders and donors, gathered in Fort Myers to celebrate this project, which marks a transition to the public phase of a $30 million capital campaign called “Feeding the Future.” This initiative seeks public support to help raise the rest of the funds needed for the new center.
Richard LeBer, the President and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank, emphasized the increasing need for aid. He stated, “As our region grows, so does the need.” The new center will allow them to serve more individuals, including families and veterans in need.
Currently, the food bank assists around 300,000 people each year through a network of approximately 175 partner agencies. In 2024, they provided 39.5 million pounds of food, but this figure is expected to rise to 50 million pounds by 2030 and even reach 100 million pounds by 2050. A significant driver of this demand is what LeBer refers to as the “new hungry.” These are hard-working individuals—from hospitality staff to healthcare providers—who never thought they would need support to feed their families.
LeBer explained, “Many are just one or two unanticipated bills away from needing help.” Economic challenges like inflation and cuts to federal programs have deeply affected these workers.
The Hunger Action Center will be large, spanning 110,175 square feet, which more than doubles the current warehouse space in Lee County. This new facility will not only enhance food storage capabilities but also create a welcoming food pantry for the community. People experiencing hunger will be able to shop for fresh produce and groceries, a significant improvement over what the current setup allows.
In addition, the center will have meeting rooms to host education sessions on nutrition, budgeting, and food access. This approach looks to empower both individuals and partner agencies to tackle the root causes of hunger effectively. It will also feature better facilities for volunteers and staff, making it a comprehensive hub for community support.
This ambitious project is the largest in the food bank’s 42-year history and is largely funded by private donations. During the announcement, the food bank highlighted major contributions from organizations like The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Lipman Family Farms.
Construction for the Hunger Action Center is set to start soon, with completion expected by fall 2026. With half of their $30 million goal already raised, there is clear hope and determination within the community to address food insecurity effectively.
To find out more about the Hunger Action Center, visit the Harry Chapin Food Bank’s Feeding the Future page for updates and further details.
