The Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board meeting on January 10, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local food distribution efforts and the growing demand for services in Lee County. The meeting featured a presentation from a representative of the Midwest Food Bank, who detailed the organization's operations and challenges.

Midwest Food Bank reported a substantial increase in food distribution, rising from 44 million pounds in 2023 to 60 million pounds in 2024. This surge reflects a growing need for food assistance in the community, particularly following natural disasters like Hurricane Ian. The organization operates with a lean staff of six employees, relying heavily on approximately 2,000 volunteers to manage its operations.

The representative emphasized the importance of partnerships with major food distributors such as Kellogg's, Nestle, and Amazon, which provide a significant portion of the food supply. The organization has developed a model where partner agencies can directly access food from their warehouse, likening the experience to shopping at a wholesale club.

A pressing concern raised during the meeting was the need for additional warehouse space. The current facility, measuring 10,000 square feet, is described as "bursting at the seams" due to the high volume of food being processed. Efforts to acquire adjacent properties have been unsuccessful, limiting the organization's ability to expand its operations.

The meeting also touched on the Hope Packs program, which provides food for children over weekends to combat food insecurity. This initiative is one of the organization's most costly but essential programs, highlighting the ongoing need for community support and resources.

In conclusion, the Midwest Food Bank's operations are critical to addressing food insecurity in Lee County, but the organization faces challenges related to space and resources. The board's discussions underscored the importance of continued support and collaboration to meet the increasing demand for food assistance in the region.