Food Bank of Central New York
- Website Design & Development
When the Food Bank of Central New York reached out with an RFP for a new website, we knew right away it was an opportunity to do meaningful work. Their website wasn’t just a digital home; it was a lifeline for people across 11 counties. Whether it was a neighbor seeking a food pantry, a donor wanting to give, or a partner looking for resources, the site needed to deliver clear, accessible information every single time.
Over the past five months, our team at Split14 Creative has been working closely with the Food Bank to bring their vision to life. From the first discovery call to the final launch, the process has been collaborative, hands-on, and focused on one thing: making their website as impactful as the mission behind it.
The Challenge
The Food Bank’s old site had served them for years, but was starting to show its age. Built on an outdated platform, it was challenging for staff to update, vulnerable to security risks, and unable to meet the growing demands of their community. In addition, the Food Bank had recently introduced a refreshed brand identity, featuring a new logo, typeface, and color palette, and required a website that reflected its forward-looking approach.
They also had very practical needs. The site needed to connect seamlessly with donation tools, volunteer management systems, job applications, and event calendars. And above all, it needed to be accessible to everyone who relies on the Food Bank’s services.
Our Process
We broke the project into four phases that guided our work from start to finish:
1. Discovery & Vision
We started by listening. Through strategy sessions and weekly check-ins, we worked with the Food Bank team to define success: a site that was easy to use, safe to manage, and aligned with their mission.
2. Design & Blueprinting
Next, we focused on design. With their new brand identity as a guide, we built a design system that was fresh, approachable, accessible, and easy to navigate. This stage set the tone for the rest of the build.
3. Development & Integration
Once the design was approved, we moved into development. We rebuilt the site on a custom WordPress foundation, ensuring faster load times, enhanced security, and ample flexibility for the future. Along the way, we integrated all the tools the Food Bank relies on:
- Donation platforms like Blackbaud and Luminate
- Paylocity for careers
- Event calendars to highlight fundraisers, conferences, and community activities
We also prioritized accessibility, adding features such as ADA compliance and translation services, so that every visitor could use the site with ease.
4. Training & Launch
A significant part of this project was ensuring the Food Bank’s team felt confident in managing the site after launch. We created a UI Kit, trained their staff, and set them up with hosting and support options. Then, with plenty of testing behind us, we launched the site just in time for the Food Bank’s Million Meals Gala, a fitting milestone as they celebrated 40 years of impact.
The Outcome
The new Food Bank of Central New York website is more than just a redesign. It’s:
- User-friendly: Neighbors can quickly find food assistance, donors can give securely, and partners can connect to resources without frustration.
- Brand-aligned: The look and feel now match the Food Bank’s refreshed identity and commitment to inclusivity.
- Future-ready: With a scalable design and robust integrations, the site can grow in tandem with the Food Bank’s expanding programs.
- Empowering for staff: Updates are now simple, secure, and stress-free.
Looking Ahead
What made this project special wasn’t just the technical build; it was the collaboration. Weekly meetings kept the project on track, and the Food Bank’s input shaped every decision. Together, we built a site that not only informs visitors but also inspires action.
As the Food Bank heads into its next 40 years, we’re proud to know their website is ready to support that mission. For us, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do: when design and technology come together with purpose, they can make a real difference.
