Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  Rochester-based Channel One held a grand opening Friday to mark its most recent expansion project.

 Work on the $1.7 million project began two years ago.The project added 23,000 square feet to the warehouse section of the regional food bank. The project also expanded the cooler/freezer space by 50 percent.

Channel One Executive Director Jennifer Woodford says this will allow the food bank to handle more fresh produce and other perishables. Also added was a teaching kitchen.

Channel One operates in a  14 county service area in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In fiscal year 2013-2014, Channel One distributed approximately 9.3 million pounds of food to people in need.

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