FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Harry Chapin Food Bank received a pair of generous donations from Bank of America to support two initiatives aimed at ending hunger in Southwest Florida.

A $200,000 grant will support construction of the food bank's new Hunger Action Center through the nonprofit's ongoing $30 million Feeding the Future capital campaign. The new distribution center and warehouse, set to be completed later this year in Fort Myers, will increase the food bank's food distribution capabilities from 45 million to 80 million pounds annually of dry, refrigerated and frozen foods. Bank of America's funding will be used for key infrastructure components, including warehouse space, cold storage and distribution areas to allow the food bank to handle and store fresh, nutritious food from local farmers. The Hunger Action Center will allow Harry Chapin Food Bank to identify and assist individuals needing assistance earlier in the process, streamline operations and ensure the long-term growth of the organization's programs. A key feature will be a food pantry where neighbors can shop for fresh produce and groceries, an element of hunger relief not available in the food bank's current warehouse.

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A separate $50,000 grant from Bank of America supports the food bank's Care and Share Senior Feeding Program, which provides low-income seniors in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties with pre-packaged food kits that contain easy-to-prepare meals and shelf-stable fruits, vegetables, proteins, cheeses and grains. When possible, the food bank also supplements food kits with fresh produce and other perishable foods.

Another key component of Harry Chapin Food Bank's capital campaign is the creation of a Workforce Development and Wraparound Services program designed to address the root causes of hunger while helping individuals and families build long-term stability. Through this holistic initiative, the food bank will offer services such as nutrition education, referrals to community and social service providers, commercial driver's license training and other workforce development opportunities that empower neighbors to achieve greater economic independence.

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"We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for this investment in our new Hunger Action Center in Fort Myers," said Richard LeBer, president and CEO, Harry Chapin Food Bank. "At a time of growing need, their support strengthens our capacity to meet rising demand and ensure families across Southwest Florida have consistent access to nutritious food."

This announcement is the latest in a series of investments that Bank of America has made in Southwest Florida. Since 2020, Bank of America has provided $3.7 million in grants locally to support nonprofits and community initiatives.