INDIANAPOLIS -- Gleaners Food Bank laid claim to the distinction of being the largest food bank in the country after moving into its new 297,000-square-foot facility on Indianapolis' southwest side, according to Feeding America, a consortium of food banks.

Gleaners bought the building in the 3700 block of Waldemere Avenue, near Interstate 465 and Interstate 70, from Monarch Beverage in a generous deal.

The food bank's CEO, Pam Altmeyer, said the building was appraised at $10.5 million before closing but that the organization paid $8.2 million.

Altmeyer said a larger facility is needed because of increasing need in central Indiana.

"Poverty in Marion County has gone up 50 percent since 2000," she said.

Gleaners outgrew its old building off 16th Street, where it had been for 25 years.

"We've been struggling with multi-levels and trying to get food through a building that's antiquated and old," said Darren Boyd, Gleaners' resource developer. "This facility, because it is so large and so new, it's really going to help move everything through in a much quicker fashion."

Gleaners said the building's configuration will allow charities to pick up donations more efficiently.

"Those that are in need are going to get their food to them about 10 times faster," Boyd said.

Gleaners distributed more than 25 million pounds of food to charities in 21 counties in 2009. The organization now has plenty of room for future expansion.

The organization credited gifts from the Lilly Foundation, Simon Foundation and other contributors. It hopes to raise enough money to pay off the building by March 2011.

Gleaners launched an $11.6 million capital campaign during a luncheon Wednesday with close to 400 donors.

More Info: Gleaners Food Bank