Renovation and Expansion
The Wallingford Food Bank shares a space with the library at 1501 N 45th St. Operated by FamilyWorks, the food bank has been unchanged as long as I’ve been around these parts (decades!). Now, however, changes are afoot.
Beginning this summer, the food bank will begin some renovations to the interior of the space. The main area will be redesigned to better serve clients. Professional Chicago kitchen designers can also help with large remodels and renovation projects like this.
Per the email we received from FamilyWorks:
The renovated food bank will be bright and welcoming, with rolling modular carts that can be rearranged depending on the needs of the food bank. There will be under counter storage, the ability to display produce and food similar to a grocery store display, and there will be flexible shelving and signage. All of this combines to create a better experience for food bank participants, and it allows staff and volunteers to have more space to sort and store deliveries and package groceries for home delivery and pickup.
A second, private area will provide staff with some personal space to help them better carry out their tasks. As described in the email:
Immediately to your left when entering the space will be a waiting area for participants and a private room where Community Connectors can meet with participants and help connect them to resources and benefits. The second door on the left is a break room for staff and volunteers, complete with a kitchenette and cubbies for personal items. There will also be a private office and a phone room where staff and participants can meet and make calls privately. In the main space, there will be seven workstations for staff.
Nourishing Communities Capital Campaign Update
FamilyWorks is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $5M to support 5 key priorities:
The campaign has already achieved 91% of its goal, and you can help them get over the finish line. More information can be found here.