Apr 26, 2007 10:00 AM

The board of directors of The Greater Boston Food Bank has launched the public phase of a capital campaign—”Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope”—to raise $30 million to purchase land and build a 96,000-square-foot distribution center to feed hungry people in eastern Massachusetts.

This new facility will allow the non-profit organization to double its current distribution of nearly 26 million pounds of food per year to more than 600 partner hunger-relief agencies, while also maximizing its capacity to properly store, refrigerate, and distribute food.

A $3 million gift to the campaign has been pledged by the Yawkey Foundation; the new distribution center will be named the Yawkey Distribution Center.

The Food Bank plans to build the new facility on a 2.8-acre lot across the street from its present location. This center will accommodate a minimum of 15 years’ projected growth and will include expanded dry storage, cooler, and freezer space; refrigerated docks and “shopping” areas; and improved food salvage areas.