When demand for emergency food assistance outgrew its existing facility, Food Bank for the Heartland turned to Darland Construction to help create a space that could support its mission for years to come.
Darland partnered with Food Bank for the Heartland to construct a new, nearly 105,000-square-foot packing and distribution center, delivering the project on time and ready to serve communities across Nebraska and Western Iowa. Built using a Butler pre-engineered metal building system, the new facility provides the space and infrastructure needed to meet increasing demand while improving operational efficiency.
The completed facility is more than 40 percent larger than the Food Bank’s previous location and includes expanded cold storage capabilities, allowing for greater food preservation and distribution. The Protein Repack Room grew to 4,300 square feet—a 514 percent increase—significantly enhancing the organization’s ability to process and distribute protein products. These improvements have strengthened Food Bank for the Heartland’s ability to serve 93 counties and established the organization as a regional protein partner for other food banks throughout the area.
“Throughout the project, Darland remained mindful of our budget and served as a bridge between the architect and our owner’s representative,” said Food Bank of the Heartland President and CEO, Brian Barks. “Their collaborative approach ensured that the transition between these distinct zones was seamless and that all MEP systems were optimized for their specific environments.”
The project also reflects a commitment to long-term sustainability. Thanks to a generous donor gift, solar panels were incorporated into the facility, helping improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs so more resources can be directed toward the Food Bank’s mission.
In addition to expanded warehouse and processing space, the facility offers improved accommodations for the hundreds of volunteers who support the organization each week, including increased workspace and expanded parking capacity.
Darland Construction is proud to have partnered with Food Bank for the Heartland on a project that will strengthen food security across the region and help support thousands of families for years to come.
