The upgraded facility is enabling greater service.
“Today was the grand opening of the new and colorful building for United Food Bank and Services (UFB),” City Commissioner Bill Dodson said. “The new facility is much bigger and more efficient for the team of volunteers, staff, and board of directors to continue their mission of providing a hand up, not a hand out, for those in great need of food. They are an immense asset in service to Plant City families, and I wish them continued success in meeting their growing clientele’s needs.”
UFB invited donors, partners, and long-standing supporters to show them, first-hand, the success they have given their time, treasure, and talent to build. “This event was about honoring the people who have invested in this work, trusted our team, and helped make space for growth, dignity, and connection,” Heysek commented. “To our guests: thank you for joining us and being part of this special moment, and thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission.”
Cyndi Edwards drove from her home in Riverview for the open house. “We work with Clay Keel, from Keel Farms, and he told us about this and how he has been working with getting this up and running,” she said. “When we found out about this event today, we said we have got to come out and report this, because it sounds absolutely amazing. What I have seen so far has exceeded my expectations.”
The expanded storage capacity and more efficient distribution infrastructure of the $5.1 million facility yields the opportunity for UFB to serve more families with greater consistency and dignity. The upgraded facility allows the organization to store a wider variety of nutritious foods, including fresh produce, dairy, and protein, ensuring that people in the community have access to balanced meals, not merely calories.
“I believe in what the food bank does for the City of Plant City and the surrounding communities,” Karen Griggsby, Plant City Entertainment board member commented. “I believe that they have a purpose—it’s a great purpose. I support all the volunteers. It is a wonderful, wonderful organization that makes a difference in our community.”
Beyond food distribution, the new education center has enabled UFB to expand its impact through programs that empower long-term change. Through nutrition education, cooking classes, financial literacy workshops, and job training programs, UFB is helping people build more stable, self-sufficient futures. “The combined power of the new building and education center has strengthened our partnerships, improved volunteer engagement, and increased our ability to reach underserved populations,” Mary Heysek, President of United Food Bank of Plant City, said. “We believe that learning should never stop, and can empower people in our community to strive for a better life. Every square foot was designed with one goal in mind—to nourish and serve today and help our community thrive tomorrow. Altogether, this investment has allowed us to serve with more compassion, efficiency, and long-term vision—moving us closer to a future where hunger is no longer a barrier to opportunity or well-being in our community.”
Plant City Entertainment (PCE) works to support United Food Bank by placing a basket in their lobby. “During each show that we perform at our theater, we encourage our patrons and our actors to contribute non-perishable food items, that we, in turn, donate to United Food Bank,” Victor Hamilton, President of PCE, said.
In 2024, volunteers put in over 17,500 hours working to distribute food donated by partner companies, agencies, and individuals. Among other things, they distributed 4,331,000 pounds of food, serving 209,519 people.
“This is such a benefit to Plant City, and to East Hillsborough—the area we serve,” Phil Waldron said. “Being on the board, you find out real quick how many people are in need, and this is a service that we can give back to the community. It is just going to be great. I think people are going to be really surprised at how much the benefit is going to be.”
