History...
In 1999, Meals on Wheels and the Food Shuttle each began planning to build
a commercial kitchen. They quickly recognized that a single common facility
could fill the needs of both organizations. This evolved into a joint
venture, and Food Runners Collaborative, Inc. was formed.
The Food Shuttle and Meals On Wheels have each experienced exploding needs
and shrinking resources to meet those needs. Extensive research and
consultation with area and state leaders resulted in a plan for operating a
common kitchen. The plan met the organizational needs of both organizations
and offered significant cost savings to the community. The resulting Capital
Fundraising Campaign demonstrated that this was truly a cooperative public
and private collaboration. Major contributors to the Capital Campaign
included the A. J. Fletcher Foundation, Capitol Broadcasting Company,
Catholic Deanery of Raleigh, Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, Hillsdale Fund,
State of North Carolina, City of Raleigh, Wake County, and Wake Med.
The location at the corner of Blair and Barbour Drives on the Dix Campus,
immediately adjacent to the North Carolina State Farmers Market, was a major
in-kind donation by the State of North Carolina, the Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Department of Health and Human
Services. The site is strategic for many reasons, including its proximity to
the Farmers Market - the Food Shuttle's largest food donor, and access to
major highways for food delivery and distribution. The Food Runners facility
was designed by Mullinax & Cofer, Architects, PLLC. and the prime
contractor was Sparrow Construction Company.
Major Milestones:
June
20, 2002, Ground breaking
November
4, 2003, Construction began
November
18, 2004, Grand Opening
November
22, 2004, MOW and Food Shuttle began operating from the facility
March
1, 2005, Food Runners shipped first Senior Meals to Meals On Wheels of
Wake County
May 23,
2005, Food Runners began full production of Senior Meals to five
programs in three counties.
January
11, 2006, The Food Runners building was dedicated as the Vernon Malone
Center
February 22,
2007, Food Runners shipped the One-Millionth Hot Senior Meal from our
kitchen.
December 18,
2008, Food Runners shipped the Two-Millionth
Senior Meal from our kitchen.
Click here for pictures of our
progress.
