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Date: 11/3/2021
CHICOPEE – After running operations in Hatfield, the Western Mass Food Bank is developing a new, $22 million headquarters in Chicopee at the corner of East Main and Carew streets.
Executive Director of Western Mass Food Bank Andrew Morehouse shared that the headquarters move has been in discussion over the last five years, citing a lack of space at the food bank’s current 97 N. Hatfield Rd. location as a central cause.
“We started to look at what the space requirements would be and what would be an ideal location. We concluded that a location in Hampden County would be best for our future,” said Morehouse.
Moving to Chicopee grants the food bank a multitude of infrastructure and operation improvements, with the 60,917-square-foot property doubling the size of their current location. Morehouse explained that the added space will increase the storage capacity for dry and frozen goods, as well as allowing the business to expand through new employees. The increased space also offers a vast number of services.
“We will have more space for meetings, events, workshops, seminars, conferences and nutrition education. … It will afford us space to grow,” said Morehouse
The executive director explained how the space will improve operation effectiveness. “It will be a much more efficient building. We will be able to operate the warehouse more efficiently in terms of flow of product and food,” said Morehouse, who shared that the new space will also incorporate more energy efficient practices.
Chicopee’s location was another central draw for Western Mass Food Bank. Morehouse discussed how the developing location’s proximity to Interstate 91 will be critical to inbound and outbound deliveries of food. “Inbound deliveries come from our suppliers from all over New England, while outbound deliveries go to patrons and meal sites across all four counties,” said Morehouse, who shared that Chicopee has been a welcoming partner during the development phase.
Morehouse also discussed how being in Hampden County will allow the food bank to be more connected to its clientele.
“Being in Hampden County would raise our visibility and ability our opportunity to attract more volunteers and support. It will also allow us to engage more directly with people with lived experience facing food insecurity, so we can learn from them and partner with them more closely,” said Morehouse.
Currently, the Western Mass Food Bank is undergoing extensive review from Chicopee permitting boards. The Planning Board hosted meetings on Sept. 2 and Oct. 7 to discuss the construction, while the Chicopee Conservation Commission gathered on Oct. 6 to review the environmental impacts.
“We are working with our consultants to develop a site plan and building that adheres to all city and state regulations,” said Morehouse.
The initial meetings have already provided the food bank with critical insights. Morehouse discussed how seven acres of the purchased 16 acre-space are being designated for preservation due to their location on wetlands and natural habitats. He shared that the meeting process has kept the food bank focused on developing a positive space for the community.
“We want to make a building that is aesthetically pleasing for all of our neighbors,” said Morehouse.
The Chicopee Planning Board and Conservation Committee will continue to discuss the Western Mass Food Bank in upcoming meetings. The group is expected to fully move into their new space by summer 2023. Readers can learn more about the food bank’s development at https://www.foodbankwma.org/.