A Modern, Community-Centered Food Bank Serving Eastern Hillsborough County
Architect: Boggs Design Partners
Client: United Food Bank & Services
Location: Eastern Hillsborough County, Florida
Project Type: Nonprofit Facility | Food Distribution Center | Office & Warehouse Design
(UFB&S) supports more than 40,000 residents in Eastern Hillsborough County each year. To meet increasing demand, the organization partnered with to design a modern facility that enhances food distribution, expands community programming, and provides a more welcoming experience for clients.
United Food Bank & Services (UFB&S) supports more than 40,000 residents in Eastern Hillsborough County each year. To better serve this growing need, the organization partnered with Boggs Design Partners to create a modern, forward-thinking facility that improves food distribution, expands educational programs, and enhances the overall client experience. As a result, the new building strengthens UFB&S’s ability to serve the community with dignity and efficiency.
A Welcoming and Dignified Entry Experience
The facility begins with a bright, inviting lobby that immediately communicates warmth and care. Natural light, open sightlines, and simplified wayfinding help visitors feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the door. Furthermore, the layout guides clients toward educational spaces, support services, and distribution areas with clarity and ease. This welcoming approach was intentionally designed to reinforce UFB&S’s mission of treating every client with compassion.
Flexible Learning and Community Spaces
A large multi-purpose classroom serves as the center of the organization’s training efforts. It supports computer learning, workforce development, and community workshops. Additionally, a fully equipped teaching kitchen sits adjacent to the classroom, allowing clients to participate in hands-on cooking demonstrations and nutrition education. Moreover, a ceiling-mounted retractable wall connects the two spaces so they can seamlessly combine for larger events or separate for smaller sessions.
In addition to these primary rooms, a dedicated four-station computer lab provides a more focused environment for small groups or one-on-one instruction. Altogether, these flexible spaces allow UFB&S to expand its programming and adapt to evolving community needs.
A Streamlined, High-Efficiency Warehouse
The warehouse component was designed to maximize efficiency while supporting high-volume food distribution. Key features include:
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Drive-in cooler and freezer for fast, organized deliveries
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Pallet racking and shelving that increase storage capacity
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A designated staging area for assembling distribution boxes
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Circulation lanes that improve volunteer workflow and safety
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Separate warehouse room geared toward children and senior clients
Furthermore, the warehouse layout reduces bottlenecks and enhances the movement of products from intake to distribution. As a result, volunteers and staff can work more effectively and serve families more quickly.
Strengthening Community Impact
By combining hospitality, flexible programming space, and a high-performance warehouse, this new facility dramatically enhances UFB&S’s long-term impact. The building not only expands their operational capacity but also elevates the client experience through thoughtful, people-focused design. Therefore, the organization is now equipped to serve families with greater efficiency, comfort, and dignity.
Boggs Design Partners is proud to have partnered with United Food Bank & Services on a project that will continue improving lives throughout Eastern Hillsborough County.