With the opening of its new 3,300-square foot Hunger Prevention Center, Action in the Community Through Service (ACTS) has nearly doubled the size of its facilities for storing, preparing and distributing food to those in need. The new building allows ACTS to bring its entire food program onto its main campus in Dumfries, simplifying food drop off and pick up, freeing up storage for thrift store donations and adding room for life skills training, such as shopping on a budget and heart-healthy cooking.
The project included connecting the new center to an existing warehouse by a covered walkway, as well as the construction of new offices, reception and storage areas, along with electrical upgrades, industrial refrigeration, and the addition of insulation for energy efficiencies. Loveless Porter Architects provided design and consulting services pro bono and was on hand for the ribbon cutting.
“This was an ambitious project that would allow ACTS to expand its impact, but it was also too complex in terms of permitting and structural considerations for them to tackle on their own,” said LPA CEO Sean Porter. “These were issues our office could solve though our design process, so I offered to help. ACTS is an incredible resource for so many in our community, and this felt like a meaningful way in which we could support their efforts.”
On average, ACTS distributes 680,000 pounds of food per year, said ACTS Executive Director Steve Liga. Additionally, baby food, diapers, household supplies and pet food are distributed through the center, which now has health and wellness case managers available to give guidance on nutrition and food preparation.
“Our job is to make sure they get healthy food and know how to use it,” Liga told the crowd.
Read more about the center and ribbon cutting, and visit www.actspwc.org to learn how you can support the Hunger Prevention Center and other ACTS services, such as crisis and suicide hotlines, domestic violence shelters, counseling and transitional housing. Additionally, proceeds from the ACTS Thrift Store, located at 3661 Canal Road in Dumfries, go towards funding the organization’s work.