Feeding Our Communities Partners (FOCP)
North Mankato, MN | Government + Cultural
Overview
After outgrowing two previous facilities, Feeding Our Community Partners (FOCP) garnered a massive community effort with donated materials and services to construct a new space for their multi-use facility. Their BackPack Food Program is dedicated to providing weekend and non-school day hunger relief for elementary school children. For more than five years, ISG has supported FOCP’s growth with pro bono planning and design services.
Opportunity
Inspired by FOCP’s mission to end local hunger, ISG designers crafted interior designs and materials around the food pallets.
Solution
The pallet plays a large role in FOCP’s production and gives the space a warehouse feel. The pallets were incorporated as room dividers, separating the warehouse from conference areas. Parts of them were spray painted blue, which is one of the nonprofit’s primary branding colors. To maintain the industrial look, a conference room and office were designed to resemble a shipping container. Ample storage space allows for bulk orders, maximizing the amount of items the facility can hold, as well as the value of every food purchase. Open assembly and packing areas provide efficient work spaces for volunteers and staff.
This new facility allows the FOCP program to serve every elementary school in the Mankato Area Public Schools District. With growing support from sponsors, FOCP is now able to support other regional school districts and communities, as well.