Superior food bank building to break ground on Sept. 3
Community Food Bank directors and volunteers Gale Friesz, Leneah Menne (great-granddaughter of Rose Duncan visiting from Bellingham, Washington), Rose Duncan, Shana Williams, Heidi Porret, and Wanda James stand in the location of the new building on west Mullan Road in Superior. Those not pictured are VP Gordon Albert. Food Bank Manager, Marlene Adair. Distribution Coordinator, Linda Christofferson. Front Desk Assistant, Nikki Moyer. And the Distribution Crew of John and Shelly Dowling, Paul Hengel and Dan Sutton. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
A long-awaited milestone is finally within reach for the Community Food Bank of Mineral County (CFBMC), which will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. to kick off construction on its new facility.
“This is a celebration, many years in the making,” said Rose Duncan, Secretary and Treasurer of CFBMC, reflecting on the dedicated efforts that have brought the project to this point.
The new building will consist of two modular units, currently under construction by Stratford Building Corporation in Rathdrum, Idaho. The layout was thoughtfully designed by Bechtle Architects of Bozeman, in collaboration with the CFBMC volunteer team, to ensure the space is functional, efficient, and accessible for both volunteers and clients.
Key features of the new facility include: A docking area for semi-truck deliveries to enhance safety and logistics. An indoor waiting area, eliminating the need for clients to remain in their vehicles. A private office space to ensure client confidentiality. A bulk breakdown area, allowing volume purchases that can help reduce operational costs.
The journey to this groundbreaking began in earnest last October when the Town of Superior submitted a Community Development Block Grant request for $750,000 to replace the aging and unsafe former food bank building. In January, the town was awarded $700,000 toward the construction.
In the interim, CFBMC has been operating out of a temporary distribution site at the Masonic Temple at 201 River Street, next to Mineral Pharmacy in Superior. The transition has not been easy. Volunteers have juggled equipment and food stored in three different locations, which has limited the food bank's operation to every other Friday.
“Gathering everything needed for distribution days has been problematic,” Duncan said, “But like always, we make it work.”
Wanda James, CFBMC President, emphasized the importance of community support. “The food donations we’ve received have been deeply appreciated and we’ll never turn any away. That is, after all, why we are here. But right now, cash donations are the most beneficial, as it’s tough to retrieve and return food from multiple locations each distribution day.”
Volunteer spirit remains strong.
“I’m excited,” said James. “This is a passion of mine. It’s so worthwhile and we’re blessed with so many people who give and care.” Heidi Porret, who humorously referred to herself as “the newest volunteer” after nearly two years of service, added, “It’s amazing to be here. I love seeing the people we help and knowing we’re making a difference.”
Although the recent Class Challenge Fundraiser didn’t meet expectations, Duncan is optimistic about the upcoming Town Pump fundraiser, running September 1 to November 30, during which donations up to $9,000 will be matched by Town Pump.
From January to July, the CFBMC has already served 882 residents, distributing 13,551 pounds of food to those facing food insecurity in Mineral County. With the rising demand across the state due to economic pressures, the new facility is being built not just for today, but for the decades to come.
The public is strongly encouraged to attend the Sept. 3 groundbreaking event to celebrate this achievement and show continued support.
“Were it not for the local community, the volunteers, and the donors who’ve stood by us over the years, this wouldn’t be possible,” Duncan said. For emergency food distribution, contact Rose Duncan at (406) 822-2551 or Shana Williams at (406) 822-4035.