Anoka-based ACBC Food Shelf has proudly been selected as part of the 2024 Lowe’s Hometowns program, a five-year, $100 million commitment to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide.
As one of 100 community projects in 2024 that make up this year’s grant recipients, the Lowe’s Hometowns grant funding to ACBC, along with their volunteer support, will provide the organization with the opportunity to refresh the reception and administrative area of its building.
“Since the pandemic, ACBC is serving double the families. In 2023, we had nearly 59,000 individuals in just under 18,000 food shelf visits. We have made many changes to our processes and grocery store to handle the increased capacity, while still providing families with a great experience. Our lobby, however, has not been addressed and has become a bottleneck to our services,” ACBC Executive Director Stephanie Lehman said.
The grant-funded work will provide ACBC with the opportunity to complete upgrades to increase capacity and enhance the participant experience at the food shelf. Work will involve installing a new two-person reception desk, storage cabinets, literature racks, flooring, furniture, and a fresh coat of paint. Additional work may include new signage and other items to increase the functionality of the updated reception-area space.
“We’re excited to have been selected by Lowe’s as part of their Hometowns Community Impact Program,” Lehman said. “We feel honored to receive the grant, to work with the Lowe’s team, and we look forward to unveiling this updated, welcoming space to our community when it is completed.”
Since launching in 2022, the Lowe’s signature grant program has renovated 149 community centers, affordable housing facilities, shelters and food pantries; refurbished 15 first responder and veteran/military family facilities; and built and improved 54 community gardens, parks and playgrounds – among many other impactful projects.
This year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects benefit 87 communities across 44 states and Washington, D.C., and will address needs specific to each community, from housing and community centers to outdoor spaces and facilities for first responders and veterans. Each project will receive a grant from Lowe’s to make physical improvements that help local organizations continue to make meaningful impact in their communities. At the core of this commitment are Lowe’s red vest associates, who share a passion for giving back to their communities and provide support to every Lowe’s Hometowns project.
ACBC Food Shelf has provided food, clothing, and resources for individuals in need in Anoka County and surrounding communities for more than 50 years.
Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media for more details on this year’s projects.