Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf is currently in the process of finishing work on the Setting the Table for the Future remodeling and expansion project at our main site in Southeast Rochester.  The centerpiece of the project is a larger and more efficient food distribution area that will triple the size of the current food shelf space to better serve the growing number of Olmsted County families at risk of hunger in the community.

Double-digit increases in food shelf service each of the past five years, coupled with a building constructed in 1988, and a look to the next 25 years of service locally and regionally have compelled the Channel One Board of Directors to move forward with a capital project that focuses on three areas:

1. Food Shelf Expansion - design incorporates circular "traffic flow" including new entry/exit doors, expanded floor space (824 to 2,200 square feet), upgrade to commercial coolers/freezers. Will accommodate at least three times as many shoppers at a time (from 10 to >30 households plus volunteer support).

2. Warehouse Expansion - design adds 3,600 square feet full length building "annex" to the east. Enables us to reclaim 3 dock doors on south side, enables true segregation of salvage / food drive product, separates MAC/NAPS packing area, and moves battery charging operations from receiving dock.

3. Office Expansion - Second floor addition over new food shelf expansion and over first floor remodel. Incorporates ADA-appropriate elevator. Second floor will house 17 open-office cubicle workstations, three walled offices, meeting rooms, and multi-purpose conference / break room. Increase from 1,800 to 5,100 square feet.

Update

Channel One is pleased to report that construction is nearing completion. Most recently, the food shelf program has moved into its permanent space with expanded hours to serve the community better. Although the project is still underway, Channel One officials hope for the project to be wrapped up during the late spring. Following the completion of the project, Channel One will be inviting the community into the space for an open house.

Rendering of Remodeled Food Shelf Entrance

Construction Photos

The photos below illustrate the progress on the construction as of mid-April 2007. The photos below illustrate the following parts of the project (listed clockwise): Food Shelf customers shopping in the remodeled food shelf space; another view of the food shelf (the automatic exit door is on the right); in conjunction with the construction, Channel One expanded hours to better serve people in need; the new freezer and cooler units that can be stocked from behind; new push back racking for the warehouse which utilizes vertical space and holds pallets of food two pallet spaces deep; the warehouse annex that was added onto the building to replace the vertical warehouse space that was lost with the expansion of the food shelf space; volunteer Fannie Boudior, and Channel One staff Barb Downs working in the new food shelf intake area; the view of the main building entrance which is scheduled to be painted this Spring.