Bringing Everyone to the Table
Bellevue Food Pantry Capital Campaign
Why this matters:
ENCAP currently operates the Bellevue Food Pantry in 1,052 sq. ft.—about the size of a studio apartment. We serve 1,500–1,700 neighbors each month (over 17,000 a year), including seniors on fixed incomes, working families facing temporary setbacks, and many military-connected households. The space can’t keep pace with Bellevue’s growth or today’s needs.
The project:
We purchased the former Bellevue Public Library (1003 Lincoln Rd.), a 21,500 sq. ft. building that gives us the shell for a modern pantry and community services hub. Renovation will allow us to double capacity and deliver food with dignity while connecting families to resources that build stability.
The new Bellevue Food Pantry & Community Services Hub will include:
- 3,000 sq. ft. client-choice pantry (families shop for what they need)
- Walk-in coolers & freezers for fresh produce, dairy, and proteins
- ADA-compliant restrooms & entrances
- Fire suppression system and upgraded HVAC/electrical/tech
- Volunteer, partner, and community meeting spaces (including a military resource room)
- Community garden to grow and share fresh foods
- Truck turnaround/drive-up lane for rapid emergency distribution
Our goals
- Dignity & choice: Replace pre-packed boxes with grocery-style shopping and strengthen wrap-around services.
- Community hub: A central place where families, partners, volunteers, and civic groups connect and problem-solve.
- Built to last: A durable, efficient facility that’s easy to maintain and ready for future growth.
Impact
- Double the number of individuals we can serve each month
- More fresh, healthy options on every visit
- Private spaces to connect families to housing, utility, financial, and workforce supports
- A ready, reliable emergency response site for Bellevue
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about dignity and community—and making sure no one has to go it alone.”
— Aaron Bowen, Executive Director, ENCAP / Bellevue Food Pantry
Timeline
- 2022–2024: Site acquisition, planning, architecture & engineering
- 2025: Fundraising and permitting
- Early 2026: Begin construction
- December 2026: Estimated grand opening
How you can help
Make a gift today
Every dollar stays local and fuels a stronger Bellevue.
Give Now
Sponsor a space
From the client-choice pantry to the volunteer welcome area or military resource room, sponsorships include recognition.
Become a Sponsor! Contact Jill Connor: [email protected] or Aaron Bowen: [email protected]
Invest for tomorrow
Consider stock, DAF, or planned gifts to sustain the Pantry for years to come.
Talk to Us! Jill Connor: [email protected] or Aaron Bowen: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Why move from the current space?
It’s too small for today’s demand and doesn’t allow for adequate refrigeration, privacy, or partner services.
What is “client-choice”?
A dignified, grocery-style experience where guests select foods that fit their families’ needs—reducing waste and improving nutrition.
How will my gift be used?
Gifts support construction and essential systems (HVAC, electrical, fire suppression), accessibility upgrades, walk-ins, shelving, tech, and community spaces.
Contact
Questions or interested in a tour or sponsorship?
Jill Connor – [email protected]
Aaron Bowen – [email protected]
