OUR FUTURE: VFB CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
about
After years of searching, the Vashon Food Bank has found a new home! We plan to relocate to the property owned by the Vashon United Methodist Church at 17928 Vashon Hwy SW, moving us from our current facility on Sunrise Ridge to a site that is in the town center, closer to other services and public transportation.
We will purchase and renovate an existing 3,500 square foot building and build a new 3,900 square foot food bank and warehouse to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive community resource hub where people will find access to a wide variety of resources to help them thrive.
There are so many ways you can help us achieve this vision! Please reach out to our Capital Campaign Manager, Minta Crafts, to learn more, volunteer your time, expertise, ideas, or give your financial support: minta@vashonfoodbank.org. We accept gifts of cash, stock, retirement distributions, and life insurance policies, among others. Gifts and pledge forms (see button below) can be mailed to PO Box 1205, Vashon, WA 98070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the food bank need to move?
A: The facilities at Sunrise Ridge, our home for over 40 years, are in disrepair and do not meet our
goals for safety, accessibility and dignity. The Vashon Food Bank will be better able to meet its mission
to increase the island’s food security and connect people to the supporting resources they need to
thrive in a facility and location that is safe, dignified, and accessible.
Q: Why is the Methodist Church (VUMC) property the best option?
A: The VUMC property is accessible and visible to the community. It offers Vashon Food Bank (VFB)
the opportunity for a flexible, adaptable and dignified space and shared space for increased access to
other services. The agreement we have with VUMC will create the long-term stability needed to
provide reliable services long into the future.
Q: What other locations did the food bank look at?
A: Over the past decade, we considered the K2 Building, the land behind Granny’s/IGA, other spaces on
Sunrise Ridge and the DIG Property. While each of these locations had pros and cons, the VUMC
property meets more of the community’s needs.
Q: I thought you’d already moved - what’s taking so long?
A: At the beginning of 2024, estimates for the overall cost of the new building were steadily increasing, so
we went back out to bid to general contractors. We went through an extensive vetting process and have
selected a contractor that offered the best overall package. We are currently in contract negotiations and
are waiting for King County to approve our permits. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring of 2025.
Q: Will the food bank and the Methodist Church merge into one organization?
A: No. We share humanitarian values and a spirit of community-mindedness, but will remain separate
both in physical space and in administration.
Q: How long will the whole project take? And what stage are you at now?
A: We have completed the design phase, and have submitted permits to King County. Construction is
expected to start in early to mid 2025. The current timeline has the new facility opening in early 2026.
Q: Will the move cause significant disruptions in grocery services?
A: We do not expect major disruptions to regular grocery services. If there are short-term (1-2 weeks)
disruptions to the regular service, we will make contingency plans to ensure that our customers continue
to have reliable access to nutritious food during our move.
Q: Why is the food bank going to purchase the Education Building instead of leasing it long-term?
A: This business arrangement provides the food bank the ability to adapt/expand programming as needed.
The church will benefit from the revenue produced by sale of the Education Building.
Q: What will happen to the buildings/property at Sunrise Ridge?
A: The future of Sunrise Ridge is yet to be determined. The Sunrise Ridge Board of Directors is working
on long-term plans for the campus.
Q: Will the food bank have a garden at the new location? What will happen to the garden on Sunrise
Ridge?
A: While we will not have a dedicated garden on site, the food bank is committed to offering fresh,
locally grown produce whenever possible. We have strong relationships with island farms and will
continue to offer the same amount of locally grown food whether or not we have an on-site garden.
Q: What about customer privacy when the food bank is right in town?
A: We are committed to creating a safe space where all members of the community feel welcome. This
is reflected in the design of the new facility, with the primary entrance on the East side. There will be
multiple other services available on the VUMC property so a food bank customer could have many other
reasons to be there. We will also still offer home delivery for those who want or need it.
Q: When is VFB’s lease up at Sunrise Ridge?
A: We are currently in a 5-year lease (2024-2028) at Sunrise Ridge, which includes a 180 day notice
of termination.
Q: How much will the project cost?
A: Full project costs, including planning, design, engineering, permitting, construction, relocation and
internal campaign costs, are projected at approximately $7.25 million.
Q: How will the project be funded?
A: The project will be funded by a comprehensive capital campaign that includes private donors, grants
and government funds. As of September 2024, we have raised over $3.8mil, 53% of our campaign goal.
Q: How will you keep the project cost from increasing dramatically during construction?
A: We are committed to managing expenses responsibly. We have been through multiple Value
Engineering exercises that have reduced the project costs by over $1mil. We will continue to work with
our project team to make sure the scope of the project does not exceed our fundraising capabilities.
Q: Knowing that the “social service hub” is a key element of the project, are other social service
providers in support of the project.
A: Yes. The food bank works closely with the Vashon Social Service Network (VSSN)(Vashon Food Bank,
Vashon Youth and Family Services, The DOVE Project, Vashon HouseHold, Vashon Senior Center, Vashon
Care Network, VARSA, St. Vincent de Paul, Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness). VSSN has done, and
will continue to do, work to develop a shared vision for how the project will benefit the whole community.
Q: What about ongoing operating costs, post completion?
A: We are in the process of identifying and planning for all overhead cost increases and building a robust
business plan. Many of our overhead expenses, rent in particular, will be significantly lower than current
because we will not have to rent additional dry or refrigerated storage.
Q: Are all financial contributions to the food bank going to the site relocation project?
A: No. Contributions to the food bank’s general operating fund and contributions to the capital
campaign are separate. We need donations for both the campaign and for ongoing, daily operations.
VIDEO: Learn how, and who, the Food Bank helps, and our vision for the future…
a sneak peek: renderings of the new facility
