New Facility For Area Food Bank Is Planned

But she said the new facility at Sixth Street NE, near the Fort Totten Metro station, will help meet that demand by allowing the warehouse to store bulk food and serve hot meals.

In a plea for more donations, Brantley said: "The urgency is now. There's no question."

The 125,000-square-foot facility will enable the food bank to accept 40 million pounds of food each year. It includes a significantly expanded refrigerator and freezer space so the food bank can store more fresh produce, meat, dairy products and other perishables.

The building was designed with environmentally friendly features, including a $1 million solar panel roof, donated by BP America. The facility's design meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The "green" features are expected to save the food bank about $70,000 in annual energy costs.

"We're trying to design it right so that it's sustainable for the future," said Brian Smith, the food bank's chief operating officer.

To donate to the 'Til No One Is Hungry capital campaign, contact the Capital Area Food Bank at 202-526-5344 orhttp://www.capitalareafoodbank.org.