Capital Area Food Bank

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) embarked on a project to enhance its operations by significantly expanding food storage and creating dedicated office and volunteer spaces to better support food-insecure families in Northern Virginia. A successful capital campaign launched in 2021 garnered extensive support from federal, state, and local governments, as well as private entities. The new 45,000 SF facility, more than four times larger than its predecessor, includes a 33,750 SF warehouse and 11,250 SF of office and community space.

 

The expanded warehouse is the core of the facility, increasing food storage and refrigeration capabilities by over tenfold, allowing for more fresh produce and protein options. Key design features include higher storage racks and improved volunteer and operational spaces, such as a spacious Main Lobby and a Volunteer Hub with ample natural light. The second floor provides a versatile conference room, terraces, and modern workspaces overlooking the warehouse.

 

Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility incorporates innovative, cost-effective construction solutions, such as precast concrete, to manage budget constraints and ensure durability. Moving to prefabricated precast concrete made this vital project both viable and constructible while providing CAFB with a facility which can last 100 years. The project incorporates sustainable features like energy-efficient systems, LED lighting, and renewable energy, aiming for LEED Silver certification.

 

An elevated parking deck was constructed adjacent to the warehouse, providing parking for workers and volunteers. The deck also offers covered loading bays with substantial clearance for large tractor trailers. This arrangement not only optimizes site use but also improves logistics, enabling direct shipments to the Northern Virginia facility and reducing dependency on CAFB’s larger DC facility.

 

Although comprehensive impact studies are still forthcoming, the expanded size, efficient planning, and integrated technology is projected to increase food distribution fourfold – or greater – while also enhancing operational efficiency across all DMV warehouses. CAFB will now be able to provide the food for more than 13 million meals directly from its Lorton facility — a 220% increase from the previous site’s capacity. The welcoming new environment is expected to promote greater community engagement and present staff and volunteers with a space reflecting CAFB’s critical mission. Most importantly, the expanded facility enables CAFB to better serve deserving residents and their families.