Gig Harbor food bank plans new home, 376 feet away from the old one

Gig Harbor’s FISH Food Bank is moving — but only 376 feet.

The community service organization announced Monday that it will build a new $4 million facility on vacant land adjacent to its current home on Burham Drive.

Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH secured the land in January with a long-term, $1-per-year lease and has been meeting with the City of Gig Harbor to address land-use and development requirements., board president Ron Coen said in a release.

“The need is greater today than it has ever been,” Coen said. “Without question, the Food Bank needs a workable home in Gig Harbor now to support the ever-growing and urgent needs of the area.”

The building committee is working with Ratcliffe Gagliano Architects on plans for 10,000-square-foot building. It will have space for donation drop-offs, food and clothing shopping and distribution, administrative offices as well as parking.

Due to increasing needs during the coronavirus emergency, the charity is planning a expedited construction schedule, Coen said.

“Normally it would take four to five years to plan and build a new facility, but we can’t wait,” Coen said. “We need a new home in less than two years. This is an unprecedented, pressing challenge in an unprecedented time.”

The food bank is hoping to raise $5 million toward the project, with $1 million set aside as an endowment.

“We’re looking toward the long haul,” Coen said. “The current situation has shown us we need to be prepared to do unexpected things.”

Clearing and grading will begin in spring of 221, with construction beginning in fall or early winter. Completion would be in spring or summer of 2022.

The property owner, Gray Road Holdings of Gig Harbor, has been “especially generous” in granting a $1-a-year lease, Coen said.

Initial expenses have been covered by several local families. Additional state funding, totalling $417,000, has been acquired with the help of State Rep. Michelle Caldier and State Sen. Emily Randall., Coen said.

“With this community being the kind of community is, we know it’s going to happen,” he said.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 4:32 PM.