The Urbandale Food Pantry, which has seen demand for food items grow, is opening its new facility at 7901 Douglas Ave. on Tuesday.

The nonprofit group bought the property, which includes a two-story building with more than 8,600 square feet of space, on May 1, 2024, for $475,000. The building has been remodeled to accommodate the pantry and its staff.

The pantry had been located in a suite in a strip center at 7611 Douglas Ave.

The new facility, which doubles the size of the pantry, will include more space for food and personal care items and storage. The second floor will include community spaces and staff offices. The new property will also include a community garden.

“This new space will not only expand our capacity but also create a welcoming environment where families can access food with respect and security,” Patty Sneddon-Kisting, the pantry’s executive director, said in a news release.

The Urbandale Food Pantry has raised $2.3 million for the facility from individual donors, foundations and local groups. The group’s fundraising goal is $3.5 million.

The pantry supports more than 2,000 families each month and has expanded its reach beyond Urbandale to serve residents in nearby communities, according to the news release. In 2024 the pantry distributed more than 4 million pounds of food.

For more information about the food pantry or to donate to the campaign, click here.