New Food Bank on the SW Side

By Rachelle Bowden in News on May 17, 2004 12:27PM

Over the weekend the Greater Chicago Food Depository opened a new facility on Chicago's southwest side, near Pulaski Road and 42nd place. The $28.6 million, 216,000 sqaure foot food bank and training center will double the Food Depository's capacity to feed those in need, allowing it to distribute up to 80 million pounds of food each year. The new food bank is among the largest in the United States. It houses an array of programs that food depository officials say is unmatched in the nation. "This is the most exciting day in the 25-year history of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, as we break new ground in the fight against hunger," said Executive Director Michael Mulqueen. "We are opening a facility that will serve this community for the next 25 years as we aggressively attack the underlying causes of hunger and poverty."

The food depository serves 91,000 men, women, and children each week and the demand appears to be growing. Last year, the agency distributed 30% more food than 5 years ago.