Generous donations have enabled the Houston Food Bank to go solar and cut its power bills; leaving more money available for the organisation to commit to its core focus – helping feed those facing tough times.
The 280 solar panel installation was donated by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club and NRG Energy. The 70kW array will save enough on power to fund the equivalent of two children’s meals – every hour.
“Using renewable energy as a tool to decrease the size of our carbon footprint is simultaneously helping us stamp out hunger in Houston,” said Brian Greene, Houston Food Bank President and CEO. “This new solar array is improving our ability to serve those in need, enabling us to save on electricity costs and give back even more to those impacted by hunger in our community.”
The Houston Food Bank’s services are in great demand – it’s estimated 6.5% of households in the region it covers experience hunger. The organisation is the largest food bank in the USA; helping feed 800,000 people each year through a network of 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other avenues.
Food for the service is usually sourced from industry and consists of items that may otherwise be thrown away. Houston Food Bank warehouses this food, sorts, packs and re-distributes it where there is need in the community.
NRG Energy has stepped up to help out the organisation in the past; including providing funds and personnel to assist the Houston Food Bank’s emergency operations after Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Mr. Greene is keen to install more solar at the facility and would like to see the entire roof covered by solar panels.
In the years ahead, solar power will no doubt help many more community groups and charities around the world direct more of their precious funding to their core activities; while also doing good by the planet.
Image credit: Green Mountain Energy
