2016 program dates and open house set

The 2016 United Food Operation, Inc. winter food distribution program will begin on January 8 and conclude on April 2 at a new distribution warehouse facility in Institute, WV.

Dow Chemical Company has donated a new and improved warehouse space for UFO to use at the Institute Industrial Park — in a part of the park that Dow recently purchased from Bayer CropScience. Over the past few months the facility, which is located across Route 25 from the Institute Post Office, was extensively renovated by Bayer Crop Science to prepare it for UFO’s use.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our new  space,” said Elaine Harris, UFO chair person  “Our thanks go out to Bayer and Dow for their generous donations. This means so much to us.”

The building has a conference room and office in addition to ample food storage and distribution space. The renovations included fence line modifications to allow for a separate entrance off Route 25, minor reconstruction, electrical modifications, painting, and the installation of new tile and ceiling for a conference room area. Also included is the donation of conference room furniture, chairs, refrigerator and microwave for the conference room area. [Link to directions and map]

To recognize Bayer CropScience and Dow for their donations and to familiarize the community with the new space, UFO will hold an open house and fundraiser there on Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 A.M. until noon.

“For many years we have relied on many of the plants and companies here in the Kanawha Valley that have now downsized,” said Elaine Harris. “Therefore, in order for us to survive and to continue to supply food to the pantries in Kanawha and Putnam counties, we have to solicit new partners.”

The 2016 winter program will mark the 34th year of UFO food distributions. During the annual program period, the group provides weekly distributions of much-needed foodstuffs—free-of-charge—to 12 independent food pantries located throughout Kanawha and Putnam counties.

For more information on UFO volunteer opportunities or the upcoming open house, call 304-342-2023  (8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday–Friday).