BUILDING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE.
Follow our progress.
Explore the preliminary project renderings below to get a glimpse of Food Bank for the Heartland’s new facility.
Capital Campaign Volunteer Advisory Committee
- KEN AND ANNIE BIRD, CO-CHAIRS
- PAUL AND JULIE MAASS, CO-CHAIRS
- CLAUDE AND KAREN BERRECKMAN
- PAUL AND TRICIA CECH
- ANGI CHAMBERLAIN
- DIANE DUREN AND DREW COLLIER
- CHERYLE AND ROGER DEAL
- JOSH DOTZLER
- PETE FESTERSEN
- KARLA AND JIM FRANZLUEBBERS
- STEVE GEHRING
- NEIL AND ELISSA HAMILL
- HEART MINISTRY CENTER
- MIKE HORNACEK
- MARSHA AND MILTON KLEINBERG
- DENISE MCCAULEY
- JODIE MOORE
- RANDALL MOUSEL
- ROCHELLE MULLEN
- OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
- EVA ROBERTS
- MAYOR JEAN STOTHERT
- MELISSA TAYLOR
- DAVE ULFERTS
Food Bank BOARD Members
- STEVE WALLACE, CHAIR
PAYPAL - TIFFANI KECKLER, VICE-CHAIR
FIVE POINTS BANK - SUSAN VIOLI, SECRETARY
BAXTER AUTO - DANIEL APPLEGARTH, TREASURER
CARSON GROUP - CHAD WERNER, CHAIR EMERITUS
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA - JANEL ALLEN
CHILDREN’S NEBRASKA - ELLIE BARKO
BLAIR FREEMAN - BRIAN BARKS
FOOD BANK FOR THE HEARTLAND
- JILL BAZZELL-STENSTROM
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD - MELISSA BEBER
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - SHAWN BENGTSON
WOODMENLIFE - KAREN BLACK
CONAGRA BRANDS - PAUL CECH
WOODHOUSE AUTO FAMILY - ANGI CHAMBERLAIN
VALMONT INDUSTRIES - ERIC CRAWFORD
ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH - JUDY DITTMAR
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
- GREG FRIPP
WHISPERING ROOTS - ALEJANDRA JIMENEZ
GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER - DUNCAN MURPHY
RIEKES EQUIPMENT COMPANY
- EVA ROBERTS
FRONT PORCH INVESTMENTS - DAVID TOMLINSON
SCOULAR, INC. - YESENIA VALENZUELA
LEO A DAILY - RUSS WAGNER
FARM CREDIT SERVICES OF AMERICA - STEPHEN E. GEHRING, LEGAL COUNSEL
CLINE WILLIAMS
PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOOD BANK BOARD
- JILL BAZZELL-STENSTROM
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD - ANGI CHAMBERLAIN
VALMONT INDUSTRIES - TIFFANI KECKLER
FIVE POINTS BANK - DUNCAN MURPHY
RIEKES EQUIPMENT COMPANY - DAVID TOMLINSON
SCOULAR, INC. - RUSS WAGNER
FARM CREDIT SERVICES OF AMERICA - CHAD WERNER
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA
FOOD BANK STAFF
- BRIAN BARKS
PRESIDENT & CEO - AMBER DURR
VP, HUMAN RESOURCES - DONNA NAIMOLI
SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - KELLY PTACEK
VP, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS - ERICKA SMRCKA
VP, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
DARLAND
- BRIAN CIESLIK
DIRECTOR OF PRECONSTRUCTION SERVICES - BEN KNAPP
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
HDR
- MATTHEW DEBOER
PROJECT EXECUTIVE - XIN ZHAO
PROJECT MANAGER
PROJECT ADVOCATES
- ROB ZIMMERMAN
PRINCIPAL
Project Timeline
Over the last three years, the Food Bank—along with our dedicated Board of Directors and community partners—has done an extraordinary amount of research on the site selection, and food banking best practices, for our new space.
This due diligence included touring other food banks, and similar facilities, and seeking counsel from our partners and Feeding America to ensure our mission was considered with each decision.
2020
The Board of Directors approved a new three-year strategic plan emphasizing “consistent access,” “healthy food,” and “community partnerships,” paving the way for a new facility. The Food Bank partnered with Project Advocates to evaluate current facility requirements. Project Advocates, the Food Bank, and Colliers began exploring a nearby property for potential expansion.
2021
During a Board retreat, discussions revolved around facility possibilities such as a new building, a renovated building, or a hybrid of the two. Food Bank leadership and Project Advocates researched programmatic needs and site options. The Board updated by-laws to anticipate likely financial decisions regarding property acquisition and a construction project. The Food Bank identified a prospective property that could meet its needs.
2022
The Board of Directors voted to commence a capital campaign ranging from $22.5 to $27 million to support the new facility, beginning the quiet phase of the campaign. Design services were procured from HDR, after a vigorous RFP process. A Letter of Intent was created for the property at 84th and L Street, marking the commencement of the due diligence phase. The purchase of the property at 84th and L Streets was completed. Validation work on programming needs and the concept/footprint began.
2023
The schematic design phase of architecture determined the site layout and floor plans. The design evolved into a more efficient rectangular building. The Board approved the design development phase by HDR, estimating a total project cost of approximately $37.2 million. In this phase, designs were refined to include more finishes, details, and system layouts.
2024
After conducting an RFQ process, the Board of Directors selected Darland for the Construction Manager at Risk. Following this decision, the construction documents were finalized, design details were completed, and construction financing was secured with Pinnacle Bank. The groundbreaking at 84th and L Street marked the beginning of the construction phase, which included demolition of existing buildings, earthwork, and site preparation. Construction milestones include pouring the foundation, erecting the superstructure—including the prefabricated metal exterior and building the roof—before winter.
LATE 2025 / EARLY 2026
Anticipate the sale of the current facility located at 10525 J Street. The potential completion of the new property, 18 months after commencement, signifies a milestone in our journey to enhance services and impact within the community. The new facility, aligned with a strategic plan focusing on “consistent access,” “healthy food,” and “community partnerships,” is designed to meet evolving needs. Collaboration with project partners has been crucial in ensuring the facility’s quality, utility, and alignment with the organization’s mission.
Project Partners
We are proud to undertake this endeavor with the power of strong community partnerships.
“We take pride in providing clients the highest level of expertise, advocacy, and guidance in helping them achieve their goals, and in building the place we call home.”
“Our people are passionate, take personal responsibility and always do what’s right. We remain focused on doing the right things for our clients, our people, and our community.”
“With innovative solutions, a dedication to accountability, transparent accounting, and a strong team approach—every aspect of the Darland process is focused on exceeding your expectations.”
“We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives.”
“We are known for our strength, stability, service, and values. That’s why we’re proud to lend a helping hand to community causes and events that make a difference.”
“We exist to create the best value possible for our clients and partners. Our clients’ projects are our passion.”
“We value integrity, hard work and safety. By bringing strategy, automation, and creative problem solving together we promise to make you more efficient and productive.”
Downloads & Resources
Learn more about our new facility and capital campaign by clicking on an item in this list. If you have additional questions, connect with us by clicking here.
Your support is critical.
Right now, there is a role for everyone to play as the Food Bank continues to face rising challenges with limited resources. Your impact will make a significant difference in how we provide neighbors with hope and nutritious food now, and in the years to come.