A new refrigerated box truck and forklift, gifted in part by Hillsborough County, doubles food transport capacity
United Food Bank and Services is expanding its ability to deliver fresh, nutritious food to neighbors across Eastern Hillsborough County thanks to a new refrigerated box truck and forklift made possible through support from Hillsborough County, Publix Super Markets Charities, and The Mosaic Company.
The new equipment significantly expands the food bank's ability to collect and distribute fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other perishable items to residents across Eastern Hillsborough County, where many rural communities face transportation challenges and limited access to food resources.
The investment reflects Hillsborough County's ongoing commitment to strengthening food access and supporting organizations that serve residents throughout the county.
For years, the organization relied on a smaller refrigerated truck that often required multiple trips each day to pick up donated food from grocery stores.
"Having this brand new refrigerated truck and the new forklift is having a tremendous impact on our logistics," United Food Bank and Services President and CEO Mary Heysek said. "The truck is double the capacity of our old truck so it allows us to pick up more food and supplies and get it back with one trip."
The new forklift is also improving warehouse operations by making it easier to organize, move, and distribute food efficiently.
The investment comes as United Food Bank and Services continues to grow its impact. In 2025, the organization opened a new Plant City facility with expanded warehouse space, larger refrigeration and freezer storage, and additional room for community programs.
Last year, the food bank:
- Distributed more than 4.2 million pounds of food.
- Provided more than 3.5 million meals.
- Served more than 48,000 individuals throughout Hillsborough County.
While the new truck and forklift strengthen United Food Bank and Services' operations, volunteers remain at the heart of the organization's mission. Thousands of volunteer hours each year help sort food, pack groceries, and distribute meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
"We got volunteers as young as kids that come in from the school all the way up to a young lady we have who is 90 years old," volunteer Bruce Bolton said. "We have people of all ages come in, work together and support each other."