Celebration of a .6M Expansion for Local Food Pantry in Safety Harbor

Expansion of Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center Aims to Address Rising Community Needs

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — A celebration marking the expansion of the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center (MWNFC) was held on Tuesday, showcasing a .6 million investment into the local community aimed at expanding vital services. Staff members, volunteers, and community leaders gathered to commemorate the completion of a project designed to meet the increasing demand for assistance in Safety Harbor.

“The past year has seen rigorous construction efforts,” stated David Hale, Executive Director of MWNFC. “Throughout this period, our team has continued to provide essential services, particularly through our food pantry.” Hale underscored the center’s mission to adapt to the community’s needs, revealing that the average number of families fed by the food pantry has soared from 145 weekly in April 2023 to 200 weekly this past April, highlighting a growing demand for the center’s offerings.

The newly expanded facilities include a multi-purpose community room, an upgraded food pantry with walk-in refrigeration, a full kitchen capable of preparing hot meals for the first time, and modernized clothing storage. Hale emphasized the significance of these enhancements, stating, “With the opening of this food pantry, we’re poised to exceed previous records for the number of families we can assist.”

The funding for this expansion was a collaborative effort, with contributions from both Pinellas County and the City of Safety Harbor, reflecting a communal commitment to support local initiatives that address food insecurity and poverty. Hale pointed out that the increase in the new food pantry’s capacity allows for greater donations, thus enhancing the center’s ability to serve the community.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a notable tribute was paid to Janet Hooper, the center’s former executive director, upon discovering that the new community room would bear her name. “I’m speechless. I really am,” Hooper expressed, highlighting the collective spirit of the center’s mission that transcends any single individual.

Adding to the moment’s significance, Eric Williams, a board member and the son of the center’s namesake, lauded the impact of the services provided. “If my mom was here and looking at this she would say, ‘I receive,’” he remarked, emphasizing the legacy and ongoing importance of the center in the community.

Looking ahead, Hale noted that a phase two remodeling is planned for the remaining sections of the original facility, with an estimated cost of 0,000 and a timeline of six months for completion. This continued investment underlines the center’s commitment to evolving its resources in order to effectively address the escalating needs of Safety Harbor residents.

As community leaders and service providers unite, the expansion of the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center stands as a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at combating poverty and food insecurity in the region.