Food Backpacks 4 Kids Acquires New KP Property in Key Center

Long-range planning paid off for Food Backpacks 4 Kids. The organization seeks to further expand its presence on the Key Peninsula with the acquisition of 6.7 acres south of Key Center on 88th Street NW in November 2025. The 14-year-old organization began saving for a capital campaign in 2015. The property was purchased using the campaign money, along with a loan from an anonymous benefactor. 

Executive Director Zaida Woodworth said, “We purchased the property to rebuild our facility and accommodate other programs; also to further the ‘Food 4 All’ program that we started last year.” 

Plans are underway for the development of the commercially zoned property to include offices, a commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, and garden space for the multifaceted nonprofit. 

Woodworth said significant challenges lie ahead for the organization regarding property development. The property has no running water or electricity. The copper wiring and the well pump were stolen. The residential building on the property is being evaluated for structural viability and what it would take to rehabilitate it. Options are also being considered for alternative safe access to the property to accommodate the anticipated increase in vehicle traffic to the business on a busy highway. 

Woodworth anticipates that at least a year before the property can be utilized. 

Until then, operations will continue at the present Key Center location at 9127 154th Ave Ct NW, which currently houses the food pantry, Family Resource Center, and office space for staff. A farm stand is planned to open at its current location in June. Six part-time and one full-time employee run the day-to-day activities of FB4K. The organization has already met challenges for space and resources by adding auxiliary buildings at their present location, but is looking forward to the opportunities that will be available with a larger property, Woodworth said.