Oct 3, 2020 3 min read

Greater Washington County Food Bank (GWCFB) is the recipient of two

grants from West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) to fund energy efficiency and

electrical surge protection upgrades for its facilities, as well as funding for the construction of a

209 kW solar array. These projects will improve the environmental and financial sustainability of

GWCFB’s 29,000 square foot facility, housing the Food Bank and its associated programs, the

Healthy Habits Training Center, Country Thrift Market, and The Farm.

WPPSEF previously funded a comprehensive energy audit and electrical study of GWCFB’s entire

facilities in 2019, where potential energy saving measures and power quality concerns were

indentified. WPPSEF then approved a $21,700 grant to fund many of these upgrades, including

upgrading to a more efficient heat pump water heater, converting all of the food bank’s interior

lighting to LED, and the installation of a comprehensive electric surge suppression system to

mitigate the impact of electrical spikes on GWCFB’s electrical equipment. These improvements

reduce GWCFB’s electrical use and protect electrical equipment that is critical to its operations,

including commercial refrigeration and computer systems used to provide emergency food

services.

WPPSEF’s support of the food bank’s energy audit and upgrades were critical in laying the

groundwork for the installation of a 209 kW solar ground array that will help offset an annual

$25,000-$30,000 in electrical expenses. The solar array, currently being installed at GWCFB’s site

by Groundhog Solar, LLC., was made possible through a $100,000 grant from WPPSEF, in addition

to funds made available through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic

Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). UPMC Health Plan, Washington Financial

Bank, and Northwest Bank have also contributed funding to GWCFB’s solar project as part of the

October 2, 2020

Greater Washington County Food Bank, 909 National Pike West, Brownsville, PA 15417 724-632-2190 www. gwcfb.org

NAP program. This partnership is enabling GWCFB to offset its energy costs through the

construction of the solar array.

“The solar system fits into the Food Bank’s philosophy of environmental sustainability and its

mission to be a leader in innovative and sustainable business practices in the fight against hunger.

We’re grateful for the support of these organizations, whose efforts allow us to continue to fight

hunger in Washington County,” commented Connie Burd, GWCFB Executive Director.

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought about both an increase in demand for the food bank’s

services, as well as unprecedented disruptions to the economy. These factors mean that

organizational efficiency and controlling operational expenses are more important than ever, goals

that the WPPSEF grants will help accomplish.

“Washington County has an estimated 25,000 people who are food insecure. The money saved

from energy efficiency improvements will allow the GWCFB to increase services, trainings, and the

availability of healthy foods, local produce and products available to the community”, said Joel

Morrison, WPPSEF Director.

The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) is a 501(c)(