Plainville food pantry plans for 'green' upgrades - Meriden Record-Journal

Plainville food pantry plans for 'green' upgrades - Meriden Record-Journal

PLAINVILLE — The Plainville Community Food Pantry is hoping to save money by making its 16-year-old facility on South Canal Street more energy efficient.

“We can put that money back into our programs,” said Susie Woerz, executive director and case manager for the pantry.

A state grant, for more than $200,000, is expected to help with the funding needed to upgrade the building. The grant is through the Non-Profit Grant Program which was established by Governor Malloy in 2013,

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The pantry plans to upgrade several elements of the building that are not currently energy efficient.

Replacements will include six windows, two insulated doors, two air conditioning units, carpeting, a parking lot basin, as well as the ceiling and wall insulation in the warehouse. Several kitchen appliances are also expected to be upgraded.

The pantry is hoping a generator will add to its facility’s emergency services.

The October snow storm of 2014 would have cost the pantry their entire food supply due to a massive power outage. Instead the pantry was able to directly donate all the food to the high school’s temporary shelter. Woerz said that may not always be the case when storms strike.

“We can’t lose food if the power goes out,” Woerz said.

The grant will not only provide much-needed updates to the aging building, but will also save the pantry money in the long run.

“We’re always trying to raise money,” Woerz said.

The pantry is currently gearing up for the holiday season which requires many donations.

“We’re seeing more people,” she said. “Some donors have become clients.”

The community, she said, has made all the difference in keeping the pantry running for those in need. Over 70 percent of the pantry’s income comes from community members.

The grant is expected to be approved Friday by The State Bond Commission during its meeting.