Harvest Regional Food Bank recently received a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation for $27,000.
The funds will be used to purchase of a 5,000-pound capacity cushion forklift and 4,500-pound capacity electric pallet jack.
The much-needed equipment will increase efficiency and safety for food sourcing, storage and distribution at Harvest. The ultimate goal is to increase access to nutritious foods for thousands of families, seniors and children.
"Harvest is at a critical point, where investments in our capacity are needed for us to continue meeting the needs of those we serve, and to continue having the same impact as fellow food banks around the country," said Camille Coker Wrinkle, Harvest executive director. "This equipment will increase the Food Bank's ability to safely accept, store and ultimately, distribute millions of pounds of food to hungry individuals throughout our 10 county service area."
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its utility operating units. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger.
"SWEPCO is pleased to be a part of the great work that Harvest Regional Food Bank is doing in the communities we serve and beyond," said Jennifer Harland, external affairs manager for Southwest Electrical Power Company. "Addressing such issues as nutrition and food insecurity will assist our communities build brighter futures for all."