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Maryland Food Center Authority maximizes efficiencies of the food industry

The Maryland Food Center Authority is the developer of the Maryland Food Center in Jessup, MD. It is directed by a 12-member executive board that is appointed by the governor of Maryland.

The MFCA is dedicated to combining the very best in public and private efforts in planning and developing regional food industry facilities throughout Maryland. New and revitalized ventures under the food center authority’s jurisdiction continue to generate employment and economic benefits throughout the state.baltimore-market-produce

As a geographically centralized distribution hub dedicated to food distribution, the Maryland Food Center maximizes the efficiency of the food industry and ensures Maryland’s future food supply.

Today 25 tenants hold space in the market, which is operated by Rose M. Harrell, director of facilities for the MFCA.

The Food Center, which is located on an approximate 400-acre site, is home to some major companies, such as Lancaster Foods, Baldor DC and Tony Vitrano Co.

Harrell explained that the MWPM opened its doors in the mid-1970s as what was at the time a cutting-edge food market. The MFCA, its board of directors and the tenants all take keeping the facility updated very seriously. Major projects are always in the works and others are in the planning stages.

Two years ago the MFCA received international recognition for the $1.2 million dollar completed dock canopy painting and replacement project.

At the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference in London two years ago September, the MFCA received the Silver Award for Excellence in Real-time Market Renovations. The international organization is based in Hague, Netherlands. It recognizes wholesale markets around the world for various accomplishments each year.

Harrell stated, “We were honored to be recognized for our project. It shows what can be accomplished when market management and tenants work together on improvements in the market.”

In the past year the Maryland Food Center Authority’s improvement initiatives have included installation of emergency lighting and new doors and hardware in each of the 28 stairways from the loading dock to the mezzanine offices. Another project was to build a truck wash facility for exclusive use by MFCA tenants.

“This facility is being built as an ancillary service for our tenants due to the increased regulations by Environmental Protection Agency and protection of the Chesapeake Bay,” explained Harrell.

The MFCA is currently in the preliminary planning phase of The Maryland Market Place development.

Plans for the new development include a farmers market, commercial kitchen, food loss program, food market expansion and 20,000 square feet of lease space. It is all part of food center authority’s effort to bring more local and regional product into the markets as well as help local entrepreneurs who are in need of a commercial kitchen.

The MFCA’s mission is to develop, own, operate, improve and maintain real estate projects that provide economical, sanitary and modern facilities for food distribution in the state of Maryland.

Its vision is to have the most modern, safe, sanitary and efficient food distribution network in the world and its goal is to examine the development and distribution needs of Maryland’s food industry, and the most effective use of the authority’s development and management resources to meet those needs.

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