Montgomery County Food Bank celebrates groundbreaking of expanded facility in Conroe

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Montgomery County Food Bank celebrated the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated renovation and expansion of the nonprofit’s existing facility located at 1 Food For Life Way in Conroe. Montgomery County Food Bank continues to experience record-high need for food assistance throughout the county. The Build Today, Feed Tomorrow campaign will support an extension of the facility to provide additional cold storage within the facility’s Produce Rescue Center, a new Welcome Center, volunteer activity areas and communal space, warehouse food storage space, and additional parking. The expansion project is currently underway with a projected completion date in Winter 2024.

An essential component of the project is the expanded Produce Rescue Center which allows the Food Bank to accept readily available fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables to process, package and distribute as a healthy source of food assistance.

“The Build Today, Feed Tomorrow project will position the Food Bank to provide increased support to the children, seniors, and families facing hunger in Montgomery County. Food is a basic necessity, and we must do our part to provide access to nutritious options for our neighbors who need our help more than ever. It is truly an honor to serve the community in this important way and to work with a dedicated staff and board to bring this vision to reality,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Our amazing community has risen to the occasion and has been integral in our mission to unite the community to fight hunger."

Rising grocery prices and the increase in cost-of-living continue to drive the need for food assistance to an all-time high. In 2023, the extensive Montgomery County Food Bank network served an average of more than 80,000 client contacts per month, which represents a 23% increase from 2022.

The renovation and almost 18,000 square foot expansion will not only elevate the facility for those serving on site, but it will also increase the occupancy of the Volunteer Center from 50 people to 80 people and rescue more than 110,000 pounds of fresh produce, which in turn can be used to serve up toan additional 5,000 households per month.

Build Today, Feed Tomorrow has already garnered substantial community support, including Visionary Benefactors Huntsman Corporation and Brynn & Peter Huntsman, in support of the new Welcome Center, and Woodforest National Bank and Woodforest Charitable Foundation in support of the new Volunteer Center.

“We are thrilled by the extensive outpouring of support and commitment extended by Huntsman Corporation, Brynn and Peter Huntsman, Woodforest National Bank and Woodforest Charitable Foundation,” said Jim Wolf, Chairman of the Montgomery County Food Bank Board of Directors. “They have been longstanding supporters of the good work of the Food Bank, and their contributions will enable a sustained source of food assistance in our community for many years to come.”

Project development and construction are being carried out by a strong team of industry leaders including Howard Hughes, PGAL, and E.E. Reed Construction. Montgomery County Food Bank is grateful for their guidance and skills to ensure the project is successful.

Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for Howard Hughes, and current Vice Chair for the Montgomery County Food Bank Board of Directors, acted as an early advocate and continued advisor throughout the developmental process, utilizing Howard Hughes’ resources and expertise as a leading developer.

“What I believe has made Howard Hughes the preeminent developer of communities in the country is how we choose to define the word community,” said Carman. “A community goes well beyond the buildings and concrete and expands to the core values of our schools, churches, hospitals, nonprofits, and charitable organizations. Montgomery County Food Bank has played a vital role in our community since 1985 and it is an honor to assist with this much needed renovation and expansion as we continue the fight against food insecurity.”

In addition to expanding the Food Storage and Volunteer Center, which also functions as event space, Montgomery County Food Bank’s reimagined facility will feature an elevated Welcome Center, an expanded parking lot, and increased safety measures for entering volunteers.

Through strong and committed corporate, foundation, and individual support, along with a grant through the Texas Legislature, the $6.5 Million project is 75% funded. To maximize the planned expansion, the Food Bank is seeking community assistance to support the fundraising needed to secure the completion of the project. For information on the Capital Campaign and how to help please contact Ashley Logan, Director of Development, alogan@mcfoodbank.org.

Montgomery County Food Bank is committed to continuing operations in the current facility as renovations and additions are underway to be sure community needs are addressed throughout the process. For more information about Montgomery County Food Bank and ways to volunteer and donate, please visit mcfoodbank.org.

Photos