As food insecurity grows due to rising grocery prices, food banks are being utilized with higher frequency in the communities they serve. According to Ryan Companies, which recently broke ground on the 100,000-square-foot Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, it’s crucial that these neighborhood resources are intentionally designed to serve as welcoming, calming environments amid stressful situations.
Images Courtesy of: Ryan Co
“When people enter a food bank, they may carry stress, shame, or fear. A food bank’s design can either ease those emotions or intensify them. At Ryan, we prioritize the flow and feeling of the food bank environment to ensure that in moments of vulnerability, the design communicates dignity and comfort,” said JP Bacariza, SVP and Tampa Bay Market Leader at Ryan Cos.
Key elements of the design at Harry Chapin Food Bank that emphasize a welcoming atmosphere include:
- An interior lobby that keeps two-floors of donations on display and immediately conveys the purpose of the food bank as a place of service.
- An accessible pantry that resembles a small grocery store where individuals are able to carry out their shopping in a dignified manner.
- Soothing blue tones and wood textures that create a vibrant, yet peaceful environment, in addition to large windows that allow natural light to filter throughout the space.
