New Markets Tax Credits have been instrumental in the expansion of Food Bank facilities throughout the nation; a valued resource allowing more capital to be directed toward essential operations and community outreach. Food Banks have aspired to ignite change as they overcome food insecurity through amenities conducive to implementing healthy food programs, workforce development and community partnerships. These initiatives have allowed millions of low to moderate-income families to gain the resources and skillsets needed to provide for their families. Local economies and businesses benefit from trained labor pools, and farmers from partnerships that resource their produce consequently enabling soil and environmental benefits.
Hunger Knows No Boundaries
Hunger knows no boundaries, impacting every community within the United States. A recent USDA report illustrates an upward trend in “food-insecure households” as 47.4 million people throughout the nation struggled to put food on their table in 2023. According to RDP Partner Food Banks, most of the individuals served are from working families who struggle to make ends meet citing inflation, same wages and fewer social supports. Rural Development Partners (RDP) recognizes the value food banks have in metro and rural communities and have dedicated their mission to not only expand businesses for rural job growth but help Food Banks expand their facility and amenities to combat hunger and provide opportunities for those in need.
Food Bank Amenities & Impacts
Food Bank amenities are unique to each region as they grow to meet the distinctive needs of their multi-county community. A common focus has been “healthy” food access. Refrigerator and freezer space is a staple with Food Bank expansions as they strive to accommodate larger capacities of fresh foods and produce. Space is increased for dried food and goods, and strategic efficiencies are implemented for warehousing and logistics enabling expanded reach. Teaching and production kitchens increase nutritional programs and outreach such as health education, cooking classes, meal/snack prep for schools, community service, and workforce development initiatives. Learning farms are incorporated to accompany kitchen programs and provide healthy food for community outreach. IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) capabilities for flash freezing produce have been installed to preserve fresh food – even used for fund raising! Volunteer and office space pivotal to a Food Bank’s mission accommodates more volunteers and staff. And popular in today’s facilities… a “Market Place” featuring a supermarket atmosphere that allows shoppers to hand pick foods and products specific to each family’s needs at no cost to the shopper. Food Banks are also equipped to provide essential services in times of disaster, and some are built to withstand hurricanes, provide refuge, provisions, and community initiatives. We are proud of our Food Bank partners and the innovative ways they serve their region.
RDP/Food Bank NMTC Partnerships
RDP partnered with America’s Heartland in 2023 to broadcast an educational video about our NMTC partnership with Atlanta Community Food Bank (shown at the end of this article). To learn more about how other NMTC Food Bank Partners are strengthening their communities, enjoy exploring the links below…
- Food Bank of the Rockies – Aurora, CO (2024)
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina – Wilmington, NC (2023)
- Freestore Foodbank – Cincinnati, OH (2021)
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – Duquesne, PA (2020)
- Atlanta Community Food Bank – East Pointe, GA (2018)
- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Athens, GA (2016)
Rural Development Partners
Rural Development Partners utilizes the New Markets Tax Credit program to help organizations relocate, renovate, or expand operations in distressed rural communities; and is one of the nation’s few rural Community Development Entities with a national service territory. In addition to business expansions that bring high-quality jobs to rural regions, RDP works with non-profit Food Bank Distribution Centers that have significant impact in highly distressed rural food deserts, providing jobs and fresh healthy food to low-income communities. From 2004 through 2024, RDP has won thirteen NMTC awards from the U.S. Treasury totaling $816.7 million. To learn more about RDP or the NMTC program, visit their website or social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube.
