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Midwest Food Bank tells Fort Myers advisory board it is 'bursting at the seams' and needs more space
Summary
Midwest Food Bank told the City of Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board that local demand has grown sharply and the nonprofit is operating a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse at capacity; leaders urged more visibility and help locating additional space.
Midwest Food Bank representative Scott Buss told the City of Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board on Jan. 10 that the nonprofit has seen a big rise in demand locally and is struggling to store and distribute donated food.
"Every dollar donated, we turn into $34," Buss said, summarizing the organization's low-overhead model and efficiency. He said Midwest distributed about $60,000,000 worth of food in 2024 (about 3.4 million pounds) and that the group's 10,000-square-foot warehouse is "bursting at the seams." Buss described major local partners including Community Cooperative, Saint Matthew's House and the Salvation Army and said disaster-response and Hope Packs for children are key programs.
Board members asked about corporate donors, logistics and possible city help to find warehouse space. Buss said Midwest had tried to acquire an adjacent building owned by Hines/Heinz but the owner declined to sell, and he described heavy reliance on volunteers and national retail and manufacturer donations. Members suggested media exposure and community contacts to increase awareness and encourage local businesses to offer space or assistance.
The board agreed to highlight the organization as a "spotlight" presentation at future meetings and to consider outreach through the city public information officer and local media to raise Midwest's profile and help identify suitable properties.
