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

Safety Harbor, Florida – New Expansion Enhances Services at Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center

On Tuesday, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the .6 million expansion of the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center (MWNFC) in Safety Harbor. This significant development, made possible through funding from Pinellas County and the City of Safety Harbor, aims to enhance and expand the center’s capacity to serve the community’s growing needs.

The MWNFC, which has established itself as a vital support resource in the region, has seen a marked increase in demand for its services. Executive Director David Hale highlighted the imperative of these expansions, stating, “Every year, the need grows for the center’s services.” He pointed out that in April 2023, the center was servicing an average of 200 families weekly, a substantial rise from 145 families in April of the previous year. Such statistics emphasize the urgent necessity for the center to augment its capabilities.

The expansion includes a host of new features designed to better serve the community. Notable among them is a multi-purpose community room, an enhanced food pantry equipped with walk-in refrigeration, a state-of-the-art kitchen for meal preparation, and an updated clothing closet. These enhancements promise to significantly increase the efficiency of operations, allowing MWNFC to receive and distribute more donations weekly. Hale remarked, “With the opening of this food pantry, we are definitely going to shatter all records for the number of families we can serve.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, an emotional moment occurred when it was announced that the new community room would bear the name of former executive director Janet Hooper. Hooper expressed gratitude and humility at the honor, stating, “I’m speechless. I really am. This is for the community. It was never about Janet.” Her dedication to the center has been pivotal in its development and outreach efforts.

The ceremony also featured Eric Williams, a board member and son of the center’s namesake, Mattie Williams, who has been a longstanding volunteer. He reflected on the spirit of service embodied by his mother, stating, “If my mom was here and looking at this, she would say, ‘I receive.’”

In addition to the current upgrades, Hale detailed plans for a second phase of renovations expected to remodel the remaining sections of the old building. This phase is projected to cost an additional 0,000 and take approximately six months to complete. As the MWNFC continues to evolve, its impact on the Safety Harbor community stands poised to expand, ensuring that essential services remain accessible to those in need.