Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida was recently awarded $200,000 in federal appropriations funding to enhance a vital component of food bank infrastructure.
On Monday, May 13, Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL 10th) presented Second Harvest president and CEO Derrick Chubbs with a check to purchase a new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system. This technology investment will significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of Second Harvest’s commercial freezer.
- The technology will stabilize the temperature when turned off for long periods, such as overnight.
- The new system will be a backup during power outages, natural disasters, or equipment failure.
- The upgrade will reduce electricity usage by up to 20%.
The appropriations funding secured by Congressman Frost will strengthen Second Harvest’s ability to continue distributing high volumes of frozen produce, protein and other perishable goods to neighbors facing hunger. Second Harvest will reinvest the energy cost savings into the mission by purchasing additional food to distribute to the community.
One in eight Central Floridians – and one in five children – is at risk of experiencing hunger on any given day. Second Harvest is the region’s largest food bank, distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day.
