Expanding the loading dock at the Panhandle Branch will improve the warehouse’s capacity to process increasing food donations efficiently and safely. This project will allow the Food Bank to accept an increasing number of food donations and distribute those donations to programs serving people in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The food pantry partners rely on the Food Bank to provide food for their feeding programs and it is their responsibility to ensure that the food is handled safely so there is no risk to the community. Once the expansion is completed, the Food Bank anticipates the following program metrics in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties: retail store level pickup increased by 2.7 million pounds of food rescued from retailers; mobile pantry will have 450,000 additional pounds distributed through 90 mobile pantries; Afterschool Snack and Summer Food Service increased by 40 sites supporting 2,000 children; Summer Food Service and Backpack will be increased by 20 sites serving 1,000 children. National studies have repeatedly shown that reducing food insecurity in children has a direct impact on learning and on health. A nationwide survey of over 3,000 teachers showed that over 50% indicated that they saw hungry children in the classroom, and their hunger impacted learning. Improved performance in school results in higher graduation rates and a better prepared workforce in the community. Poor nutrition has a direct correlation to poor health and obesity. Improving nutrition among food insecure adults, many of whom receive government medical care, can reduce pressure on a community’s medical care system by improving the overall health of its residents.