Ballard Food Bank has purchased a second property just steps from its current facility and plans to renovate both buildings to expand its capacity as demand for food assistance continues to grow.
The nonprofit announced it has purchased an annex at 4810 15th Ave NW, about 300 feet from its permanent location at 1400 NW Leary Way. The organization said it will renovate the annex while also making improvements to its existing building to better serve the more than 20,000 people who rely on its services each year.
“We believe no one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from,” Executive Director Jen Muzia said in a news release. “We are using every inch of the space we have, and we cannot keep up with demand without growing. Finding property so close to our building on Leary Way presents a rare opportunity. This expansion allows us to act now so we can bring food and hope to more of our neighbors.”
According to Ballard Food Bank, when it opened its permanent Leary Way facility five years ago, it anticipated demand would increase by about 30%. Instead, demand has grown by 300%, which the organization attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and reductions to federal food assistance programs. The food bank says its current building is operating at nearly double its intended capacity.
The annex will be used for staff and volunteer operations, food storage, and vehicle logistics, while all client services will remain at the Leary Way location. Ballard Food Bank says the additional space will effectively double its warehouse capacity and support the expansion of several programs, including its Home Delivery program for older adults, people with disabilities, and others who cannot visit the food bank in person, the Weekend Food for Kids program, and its mobile market, which the organization says will expand into additional neighborhoods.
The new building will also provide office and meeting space for up to 20 staff members. Ballard Food Bank says its team has grown to more than 40 employees.
Planned renovations at the Leary Way facility, which opened in 2021, include reconfiguring the entrance to improve the flow of clients entering and exiting the building, upgrading warehouse space, and exploring changes to the prep kitchen that supports the Kindness Café, which provides free made-from-scratch meals. Food bank vehicles will be relocated to the annex’s larger parking lot, allowing more parking at the current site for clients.
Ballard Food Bank plans to begin renovations in 2027. The organization has also launched a capital campaign to help fund the purchase and improvements to both buildings.
Photo: Ballard Food Bank