The Wichita Falls Area Food Bank has launched its “Nourishing Lives. Building Tomorrow.” fundraising campaign to support the construction of the James N. McCoy Foundation Distribution and Education Center. The new facility will approximately triple storage capacity for fresh, nutritious food while providing space for nutrition education programs that teach individuals to prepare health-promoting, budget-friendly meals.

Addressing the Need

Out of 198 Feeding America food banks nationwide, the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank’s 12-county service area has the 15th-highest hunger rate. An estimated 41,750 neighbors, including 12,930 children and 28,820 adults and seniors, experience hunger across the region.

The current facility operates at maximum capacity, serving approximately 28,000 neighbors and leaving an estimated 14,000 underserved. Only five of the 12 rural counties served have traditional supermarkets, limiting access to fresh produce and proteins. The Food Bank helps bridge this gap by providing rural community partners with routine access to fresh foods that local retailers cannot sufficiently supply.

Building a Stronger Future

The James N. McCoy Foundation Distribution and Education Center will expand the Food Bank’s ability to serve neighbors today and prepare for future needs. The new facility will:

• Triple storage capacity to increase purchasing power, reduce procurement costs, and expand access to nutritious food.

• Improve efficiency through upgraded technology and real-time inventory tracking.

• Strengthen disaster preparedness with designated space for emergency food and water supplies.

• Expand nutrition education with on-site classes for children and seniors.

• Support future growth through durable construction and design informed by visits to six other food banks, with potential for an additional 104,000 square feet of expansion.

Michelle Johnson, Shelter Manager at First Step of Wichita Falls, Inc., emphasized the importance of food access in helping families rebuild stability:

“Food is one of the first ways we restore a sense of safety and stability for the families we serve. Expanding the Food Bank’s capacity means we can continue to meet that need consistently and with dignity, while helping survivors focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.”

Join the Campaign

The Wichita Falls Area Food Bank invites the community to join the Nourishing Lives. Building Tomorrow. campaign. Donations and community advocacy will help expand hunger relief and ensure more neighbors have access to the nourishment they need.

Donate today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ccnlbt/

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