Mat-Su Food Bank adding freezer and cooler to new warehouse

WASILLA— The Mat-Su Food Bank is in the process of installing industrial freezer and cooler units inside their new warehouse off East Blue Lupine Drive by the Parks Highway.

“That will be major for us, getting that up and running,” Mat-Su Food Bank Executive Director, Eddie Ezelle said.

The new warehouse property is located within the Wolverine Professional Building. Ezelle said they have around twice the previous space with the prospect of future additions on the property. He said they plan to eventually transition the food pantry to the new facility and make it their main headquarters.

Having a large and industrial-strength freezer and cooler at the new warehouse will help the Mat-Su Food Bank expand its overall operations and help them accept more food donations than ever before. Ezelle said they hope to have them up and running by the first of the New Year. He said it will even help them host meal prep classes.

Ezelle said they moved all of their inventory from the previous warehouse off Knik-Goose Bay Road to the new warehouse, but the food pantry is still at its familiar location at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in downtown Wasilla.

“It’s all we’ve got right now, but we’re making the most of it,” Ezelle said.

The Mat-Su Food Bank is currently raising funds to purchase the property and building so they can operate self sufficiently with room to grow for years to come.

Warehouse manager Josh Cooley said that securing this new permanent location with additional space will help them accommodate the ever-growing demand across the community.

“I think it’s great, definitely needed,” Cooley said.

The Mat-Su Food Bank is planning to hold one of its largest annual fundraising events, Hearts for Hunger, in February.

For more information about the Mat-Su Food Bank, including how to make financial contributions or sign up as a volunteer, call 907-357-3769 or visit matsufoodbank.org.