SOUTHWEST REGION
$47.5 Million Total Project
$16 Million FCLF Federal NMTC Allocation
97,000 sq ft of new construction
Facility for services and food distribution, addressing food insecurity
162 Temporary and 118 Permanent Jobs estimated
"Southwest Florida is full of affluence, but the hunger crisis has exploded in recent years with so many of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Harry Chapin Food Bank is proud to accept a leadership role as our community searches for solutions." – Richard LeBer, President and CEO, Harry Chapin Food Bank
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida (HCFB) opened its doors in 1983 as the Lee County Food Cooperative. Originally a distribution center for government-provided surplus, the nonprofit today is the region’s largest hunger-relief organization and Southwest Florida’s only Feeding America partner food bank. Each month, through its Feeding Network of 175 partner agencies, HCFB serves 250,000 neighbors through distribution events and food pantries across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. In Southwest Florida, one in eight people – and one in six children – are considered food insecure.
In 2024, HCFB distributed 39.5 million pounds of shelf-stable foods, fresh produce and other staples, the equivalent of 32 million meals. Those totals represent a one-year increase of 10.6%. That growth is being driven by more demand from children, families, and seniors, along with the emergence of another group. The “new hungry” consists of working professionals such as public service workers, healthcare professionals and educators whose salaries simply cannot keep up with rising costs of housing, transportation, utilities, healthcare and other expenses. The vision of HCFB is to ensure that no one has to go hungry in Southwest Florida. Its leadership is investing in solutions to prepare for future growth.
With financing through the New Markets Tax Credit program, Harry Chapin Food Bank is building a new 97,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center. This facility will increase HCFB’s ability to deliver on its mission of leading the community in its fight to end hunger. With additional space, HCFB can expand access to healthy foods, nutrition education and wraparound services for additional neighbors experiencing hunger. The organization’s goal is to build a stronger, hunger-free future for generations to come.
Located near Interstate 75, the Food Bank will have easy access to the surrounding counties. Construction of the new facility will also create jobs. Without NMTC financing, Harry Chapin Food Bank would be forced to scale back or significantly delay the construction of the new facility as it relies on philanthropic gifts or market rate debt.
Florida Community Loan Fund provided $16 million in Federal NMTCs for Harry Chapin Food Bank, with additional NMTCs provided by Truist Community Capital, LLC, CAHEC New Markets, LLC, MBS Urban Initiatives, and National Impact Fund, LLC. The investor is Truist Community Capital, LLC. The project is well aligned with the priorities of Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and Community Health Improvement Plan, due to its capacity to distribute food even during natural disasters. This transaction was completed in March 2025.
“Harry Chapin Food Bank provides emergency assistance for residents who must choose between buying healthy food and other necessary expenses. The new distribution center being built with NMTC financing is a life saver for so many in the area. It’s a privilege to be able to help organizations like Harry Chapin Food Bank who are on the front lines of communities in need.” – Nelson Black, Chief Lending Officer, Florida Community Loan Fund
Community Profile:
- 300,000 to be reached annually, 100% low-income
- 24.7% poverty rate
- Food Desert, Brownfield, FEMA-Designated Disaster Area, Medically Underserved Area
Pictured above, architectural rendering of the new Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida facility.
