AURORA,
Colo., June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural
Development Partners invested $15
million in New Markets Tax Credit financing to help Food
Bank of the Rockies expand their distribution center to
Aurora, Colorado. Without NMTCs,
the expansion would be significantly delayed or scaled back,
limiting the ability to address food insecurity. The facility will
support 179 full-time jobs, increase farmer sourcing, expand rural
outreach, and quadruple the capacity for volunteer operations.
"We are excited to partner with the Food Bank to complete
their new facility in Aurora. The
added space will allow them to further their mission of reaching
food insecure individuals throughout Wyoming and Colorado, and greatly increase their ability
to provide additional services and programs." – Dan Helgeson,
CEO of Rural Development Partners
A large commercial kitchen will increase distribution of summer
and after-school meals to students, increase capacity for frozen
meals, and enable workforce development opportunities. 318% more
refrigeration space will accommodate greater distribution of fresh
produce anticipating an annual distribution of 96.1 million pounds
of food through direct services and network partnerships by
2028.
Food storage and production capacity will increase by 109,000
SF, better supporting program expansion to rural communities.
Introduction of the Order Ahead Program will accommodate special
dietary needs, and growth of the Food for Kids Program supported.
Anticipated increase of food distribution is 1.7 million pounds in
2021 to 5 million pounds in 2028, with pantry sites established at
20 additional schools in underserved rural areas with potential to
engage 100+ new rural partners by 2028.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support from Rural
Development Partners. This investment is pivotal in our efforts to
nourish our community and expand our reach to serve even more
individuals and families facing food insecurity. The new
distribution center will significantly enhance our capacity and
essential services provided to our neighbors in need through our
direct service programs and Hunger Relief Partners." – Erin Pulling, President & CEO of Food Bank
of the Rockies
Rural Development Partners
Rural Development Partners is a Community Development
Entity with a national service territory, helping businesses and
organizations expand in underserved rural communities to create
jobs, economic growth, and bring fresh/healthy food to low-income
communities. From 2004 through 2023, RDP has won twelve NMTC awards
from the U.S. Treasury totaling $751.7
million. To learn more about RDP or the NMTC program, visit
their website or social media
platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
Contact: info@rdpimpact.com
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SOURCE Rural Development Partners