Ind.’s largest food bank moves to bigger site

Indiana’s largest food bank is moving into a warehouse more than triple the size of its previous facility and hopes to raise $11.6 million for the move.

Officials from Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana announced Wednesday that it would begin distributing food next week from the 297,000-square-foot former Monarch Beverage Co. warehouse near Indianapolis International Airport.

Gleaners CEO Pamela Altmeyer said the new building will allow its staff to work more efficiently and safely accommodate more volunteers.

Gleaners has raised $8.25 million toward its fundraising goal, but is looking for the remaining $3.35 million to help pay for the conversion of a cooler to a freezer, the purchase of a refrigerated truck and other costs associated with the move.

Gleaners distributes food to numerous charities throughout central and southern Indiana.