With a ceremonial ribbon cutting, our President and CEO, Ginette Bott, officially opened our new Timpanogos Distribution Center in Springville, strategically located to help Utah Food Bank better serve the 71,670 central Utah residents, and 1 in 8 central Utah children, who face hunger. From this facility, we will serve central Utah, which encompasses 11 counties.
Boasting 77,032 square feet, this facility offers 50,364 square feet of warehouse and commercial kitchen space, and 26,668 square feet of office and conference room space. Its location in Springville provides easy access to major truck routes and the facility will offer volunteer opportunities, public donation drop-offs, and provide local jobs. It will also enable Utah Food Bank to offer direct service programs previously unavailable in central Utah, while facilitating the expansion of current programs in the area.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox joined us at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, sharing how his childhood experiences shaped a personal connection to the cause. Recalling family trips to a bulk food store where his mother used a calculator to account for every penny, Cox highlighted the importance of understanding one’s roots and the genuine need for sustenance. He remarked on Utah’s generosity but acknowledged the challenge of remembering the true extent of need, emphasizing the vital role the new facility would play in keeping more donations within the state.
Cox also described the heart and hands of our logo as a symbolic representation of Utahns, praising the state’s compassionate nature while also acknowledging the hands-on approach that distinguishes Utahns – a blend of heart and hands.
Springville Mayor Matthew Packard also joined us that day and conveyed gratitude for the visibility of the Timpanogos Distribution Center, situated prominently along the freeway, making a statement to all passers-by that Utah County, and especially the city of Springville, are proud to show their commitment to helping their community.
The event also provided an opportunity to extend appreciation to the individuals and families who played a crucial role in making the Timpanogos Distribution Center a reality. Special recognition was given to the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation for supporting this project, and to Mike and Jan Littlefield, whose generous donation helped build and equip the Kids Cafe commercial kitchen in the facility. We also heard from Layton Construction and Beecher Walker Architecture, whose guidance, support, and vision carried us through the project.
This facility is the first of several that we will open in 2024, including a warehouse with an attached pantry in Blanding, two pantries on the Navajo Nation, and a pantry in Hurricane. As we continue to expand our footprint across the state, the Timpanogos Distribution Center stands as a testament to the resilience, generosity, and community spirit that defines Utahns.