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Future Wellington food pantry, resource center aims to be 'whatever the community needs'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 0:40 GMT by Fort Collins Coloradoan
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Wellington’s Food Insecurity Gets a New Home: Nonprofit Acquires Former Retail Space for Food Pantry and Resource Center

In a heart‑warming development that signals hope for many families in the region, the Wellington Food Bank—a local 501(c)(3) dedicated to fighting hunger—has purchased a 5,500‑square‑foot former retail property on Main Street to serve as its next‑generation food pantry and community resource hub. The deal, finalized on August 9, 2025, will see the building transformed into a welcoming space where residents can access free groceries, nutritional counseling, cooking workshops, and a host of other social services.

The Deal

The nonprofit secured the property for $530,000, a price that was made possible through a combination of private donations, a grant from the Colorado Food Bank Alliance, and a matching contribution from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. According to a statement released by the board, the property sits at 1120 Main Street, a two‑story structure that previously housed a coffee shop and a convenience store. With a large loading dock and a generous parking lot, the location is ideal for a pantry that anticipates serving up to 2,500 families per month.

“We’re thrilled to bring this space back to life for the community,” said Executive Director Maria Hernandez, who has been with the food bank for 12 years. “It’s not just about the building—it’s about what it can become: a place of safety, nourishment, and empowerment.”

Why Wellington Needs It

Wellington’s food insecurity rate has hovered around 18% over the past three years, according to data from the Colorado Health Institute. Rising rent costs, stagnant wages, and the recent downturn in the local manufacturing sector have left many residents struggling to put food on the table. The current pantry, a modest storefront in downtown Wellington, can only accommodate a handful of families at a time, forcing some to wait for hours or miss out entirely.

Hernandez cited the need for a larger, more flexible space that can not only distribute food but also educate families about budgeting, nutrition, and sustainable cooking. “Our mission is to create a holistic environment,” she explained. “People should feel they’re getting more than just groceries—they’re receiving knowledge and tools that can change their lives.”

What the New Center Will Offer

While the renovation is still underway, the food bank has mapped out a comprehensive list of services that will be housed in the new center:

• Food Distribution: A dedicated freezer and refrigerated aisle will allow the pantry to stock fresh produce, dairy, and frozen meals. The space will also support a weekly “food rescue” program, partnering with local grocery stores to redirect surplus items to families in need.

• Community Kitchen: A 3,000‑square‑foot kitchen will host cooking classes for children and adults. Volunteers will guide participants in preparing budget‑friendly, nutrient‑dense meals.

• Counseling and Job Training: In collaboration with the Colorado Workforce Initiative, the pantry will host monthly job counseling sessions, resume workshops, and skill‑building seminars.

• Kids’ Nutrition Corner: A brightly colored area equipped with play‑based learning tools will teach children about healthy eating habits, supplemented by a partnership with the Wellington Public School District.

• Volunteer Hub: A dedicated space will allow volunteers to register, receive training, and track hours. The pantry’s board plans to launch a “Volunteer of the Month” program to recognize those who consistently give their time.

“We want the center to feel like a community hub, not just a distribution point,” said Board Chair Peter Larkin. “By integrating services, we’re taking a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and food insecurity.”

Community Reaction

The announcement drew enthusiastic support from a range of local stakeholders. Wellington Mayor Linda Thompson expressed pride in the community’s collective efforts. “The food bank’s new center will be a testament to how Wellington pulls together when faced with challenges,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how this organization supports families, and I’m excited to see it grow.”

Local businesses also showed enthusiasm. A representative from the Wellington Hardware Store, which will partner with the pantry on a “Buy‑One‑Give‑One” initiative, highlighted the importance of community solidarity. “When we donate a portion of our sales to the pantry, we’re contributing to a healthier, more stable neighborhood,” the business owner said.

Residents on the street are already volunteering their time. “I used to walk past the old shop and wonder what would happen to it,” shared 45‑year‑old volunteer and teacher, Angela Kim. “Now I see how it’s becoming a lifeline for so many.”

Financing the Renovation

The food bank’s renovation budget is slated at $1.2 million. Funding will come from a mix of sources:

• Private Foundations: The local “Smith Family Foundation” contributed $250,000, citing a commitment to rural health and education.
• State Grants: The Colorado Department of Agriculture granted $300,000 toward the pantry’s expansion.
• Community Fundraising: A capital campaign launched last summer, “Food for the Future,” has already raised $400,000, with the remainder expected by the end of the year.

In addition to these, the food bank is actively seeking donations of kitchen equipment and furniture through its online giving portal, which can be accessed via the nonprofit’s website, www.wellingtonfoodbank.org.

Looking Ahead

While the building’s roof and HVAC system were replaced during the first phase of construction, the food bank plans to add a solar array next summer to reduce operating costs and promote sustainability. The organization also intends to launch a “Digital Pantry” initiative, allowing families to order groceries online and receive them through the center’s delivery system.

“The community’s needs are evolving,” Hernandez noted. “By staying adaptable, we’ll continue to serve Wellington residents now and for years to come.”

The new food pantry and resource center is expected to open its doors in late 2026, pending final inspections and certification. In the meantime, the food bank continues to operate from its current downtown location, ensuring that no one goes hungry while the transition takes place.

For those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about the center’s future programs, the Wellington Food Bank’s website offers detailed information, upcoming event calendars, and an easy‑to‑use online donation portal. As the city rallies behind this initiative, Wellington’s fight against food insecurity takes a bold, tangible step forward.