AIO has purchased the Rock Harbor Brewery building at 9 Payne Avenue, on Route 1, across from E.L. Spear, to accommodate growing demand for its food and energy assistance programs.

Six years after moving into its current building, AIO has outgrown the space, according to an AIO news release. Its programs now include weekly home deliveries to more than 180 households, weekend meals for approximately 950 children, 15 satellite food shelves, and a Market serving 170–180 households a day. Each week, 165 volunteers help move more than 25,000 pounds of food through the facility.

“The dramatic growth of food and energy needs of Knox County citizens has overwhelmed our current facilities,” said AIO Board Chair Ted Long.

After evaluating improvements, an addition, and use of a third building, AIO’s facilities committee recommended relocating.

"The nearby brewery property offers better access, visibility, parking, and capacity, including existing walk-in refrigeration," said AIO, which listed the following opportunities:

• A kitchen to preserve rescued food, prepare meals, and provide training.

• A larger garden to supply the Market and give members space to grow food.

• Private meeting rooms where members can discuss personal challenges with dignity.

“I’m confident that this new space will give AIO the ability to step up and provide more services in a more dignified and non-judgemental forum,” said Executive Director Alan Kearl.

Nicole Chaplin, who becomes AIO’s Executive Director on November 2, welcomed the milestone. “This milestone reflects the generosity, dedication, and shared commitment of a community that deeply believes in AIO’s mission.”

A generous donor is helping fund the purchase, but substantial renovations and fundraising are needed before AIO can relocate. AIO is forming a capital campaign committee and a building committee to guide fundraising, design, and construction.

To learn more about the project or get involved, contact Alan Kearl at alan@aiofoodpantry.org or 207-596-1043.