VAC, which provides Meals on Wheels, finalizes buying former Peru Pizza House property

The Voluntary Action Center of La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties has a new home at the former Peru Pizza House, 1702 Fourth St. in Peru, the nonprofit said in a Friday news release.

“This significant achievement will mark a new chapter for VAC, enabling the organization to expand and enhance its operations to better serve those in need,” the news release said.

VAC is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the community through essential programs such as Meals on Wheels and congregate dining.

The newly acquired building will provide a modern, spacious environment that will accommodate the growing needs of VAC’s services.

“This purchase could not have come at a more opportune time,” said Nate Kloster, CEO of Voluntary Action Center. “We are experiencing unprecedented demand for our services and acquiring a larger space is the first step in being prepared for what lies ahead.”

During a November Peru City Council, Kloster said that the center has outgrown its space in La Salle on St. Vincent’s Avenue and purchased the property at 1702 Fourth St. in Peru for $450,000.

According to the news release, the facility will feature expanded cooking space, increased refrigeration and additional nonperishable storage, all of which are essential for preparing and delivering meals to the community.

“With these improvements, VAC anticipates gains in operating efficiency, which will allow the organization to reduce costs, improve its purchasing power for food and supplies, and ultimately provide more meals to those who need them most,” the news release said.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone and are deeply grateful to our Meals on Wheels Sustainability Campaign supporters and donors who have made this possible,” Kloster said. “Our campaign is not over! We are now shifting our focus to sustaining our operations and funding the growth in demand that we are currently experiencing”.

The new building will require minimal remodeling to create office space and a more efficient streamlined area for meal assembly and preparation, according to the news release. VAC anticipates transitioning from its current site in La Salle to this facility in March or early April.

For more information about Voluntary Action Center or to learn how you can support the organization, visit vacdk.com