New $2.8 million building opens up service options for nonprofit

With a new building that doubles the size of of its warehouse and adds administrative office space, Loaves and Fishes will be able to feed people in Kalamazoo County who need it more often.

The nonprofit organization has begun construction on its new site at 901 Portage St. The project, for which Miller-Davis will serve as general contractors, is expected to be completed by December 2011. Subcontractors for the $2.8 million building still are being chosen.

Loaves and Fishes began a quiet campaign to raise the funds for the building in 2010 and after receiving funding from major donors and foundations, asked the public to contribute to the construction of the new building in April. To date, the campaign has raised all but $125,000 of the funds it needs to do the work.

The new building will have 16,000 square feet dedicated to long- and short-term food storage. The new location will allow Loaves and Fishes, which currently is able to be offer food only several days a month, to be open five days a week if there is a need. It also will make it possible for the nonprofit to take food donated in bulk and break it down into smaller portions. A special area that meets requirements for breaking down bulk items is included in plans for the new building.

A conference room and office space are among the other uses of the building that will house the staff of about 17 mostly part-time staffers.

The new location at 901 Portage St., a major thoroughfare, has more visibility than the previous one on Alcott. It also is on a city bus line.

The new building will be more than 20,000 square feet and will continue to be in the Edison neighborhood.

Jennifer Johnson of Loaves and Fishes says that it was important for the organization to continue to be in the Edison as many of those who seek assistance arrive on foot with a cart or on their bicycles from the surrounding neighborhood. During the summer months, she says, it is not uncommon for 6,500 to 8,000 people a month to seek food assistance.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Jennifer Johnson, Loaves and Fishes