New truck and forklift strengthen United Food Bank and Services growing efforts to combat hunger in Eastern Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County, Fla. (June 22, 2026) - United Food Bank and Services will unveil a new refrigerated box truck and forklift at a special presentation on Tuesday, June 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the food bank's facility at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Plant City, FL 33563.
The new equipment, provided in part by Hillsborough County, Publix Super Markets Charities and The Mosaic Company, will transform the organization's ability to serve Eastern Hillsborough County, which includes several rural communities where transportation challenges can make accessing food resources more difficult.
Transportation and Logistics are Critical to Combatting Hunger
For years, United Food Bank and Services has relied on a smaller fleet to pick up donated food from grocery stores and partners, but because of limited cargo capacity, staff often had to make multiple trips to transport food donations.
The larger refrigerated truck will allow United Food Bank and Services to collect and distribute significantly more fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other perishable items in fewer trips, increasing efficiency and helping food reach families faster.
The new forklift will further strengthen operations by improving warehouse organization, food handling, and distribution.
United Food Bank and Services Sees Major Growth
The new equipment comes during a period of significant growth for the organization. In 2025, United Food Bank and Services opened a new facility in Plant City featuring expanded warehouse space, increased refrigeration and freezer storage, and enhanced community programming space. The food bank:
- Distributed more than 4.2 million pounds of food in 2025
- Provided more than 3.5 million meals in 2025
- Served 48,072 individuals throughout Hillsborough County
Who: County staff, elected officials, and United Food Bank and Services staff
What: Refrigerated box truck and forklift unveiling
When: Tuesday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: United Food Bank and Services, 702 E. Alsobrook St., Plant City, FL 33563