Bringing EVERYONE to the Table
ENCAP currently operates the Bellevue Pantry out of a cramped 1,052-square-foot space. The pantry serves approximately 1,500 individuals each month, but this space significantly limits our capacity to meet the steadily increasing need, and was not originally built/intended to facilitate a mid- to large-size food distribution operation and the type of community services hub ENCAP recognizes it must provide. We need a larger, more accessible space to better serve our guests, better collaborate with community partners, and better support household economic stability.
In the summer of 2022, the Bellevue City Council approved the sale of the Bellevue Public Library building (1003 Lincoln Rd.) to ENCAP; on 11/30/23 the sale was complete; and on October 1, 2024, ENCAP took possession of the building. Now, we have the opportunity to broaden our services to those seeking support through the creation of a newly renovated space that will offer more food choices for families, expanded and more effective triage and wrap-around services, and more space to bring the community together.
The 21,500 square foot library building most recently operated as a public use space, and gives us the “shell” that accommodates our space needs; however, creating a client-choice pantry and community hub out of this facility requires many updates and a significant reconfiguration of spaces. In addition to restructuring spaces, we will upgrade the electrical system to support new walk-in coolers, freezers, and refrigerators; update plumbing and HVAC systems; install a fire suppression system; and will boost the building’s technological capabilities.
With this project we aim to accomplish three things: 1) create a client-choice food pantry and provide the ideal guest experience for those seeking food support; one that provides nutritional food choices, and innovative wrap-around support services to help households move beyond crisis; 2) create a hub where the community can access meeting and training spaces to connect to resources and each other; and 3) create a facility that is energy efficient, durable, and easy to maintain long-term.
By moving to a larger facility, we will have the space to meet with clients to provide strengths-based coaching and referrals, host educational and community events, plant a community garden to grow fresh produce for distribution, and allow partner agencies to offer services at the pantry. Connecting our clients to more services in this hub will increase our impact tremendously.
The future Bellevue Pantry will have much greater capacity, and be a true community gathering space where people facing economic instability can get nourishment, connections to community resources, and a fresh start.
Estimated grand opening, December 2026.
For more information about the campaign, and how to get involved please reach out to Jill Connor, jconnor@bellevuepantry.org; or Aaron Bowen, abowen@bellevuepantry.org.
