North Carolina food bank gets microgrid backup for future storms
A North Carolina food bank installed a $100,000 solar-powered microgrid, fully funded by state grants, to ensure resilience during future storms after Hurricane Helene disrupted nearby communities.
Marshall, North Carolina, suffered severe flooding two years ago when Hurricane Helene’s waters rose 27 feet, destroying downtown businesses and homes. The Beacon of Hope Food Pantry, five minutes away and elevated, avoided damage but recognized its vulnerability. Executive Director Jessi Koontz said the pantry’s survival highlighted the need to prepare for future storms to maintain its critical food assistance role.
The food pantry now operates a microgrid with 56 solar panels and three batteries, funded entirely by a $100,000 state grant. The system powers refrigeration, lighting, and heating or cooling in the food distribution area, ensuring operations continue during power outages. Land of Sky Regional Council, managing the state’s $5 million microgrid initiative, prioritized Beacon’s project for its community impact and simplicity.
Beacon’s microgrid is part of a broader recovery effort in western North Carolina, where partnerships installed dozens of microgrids in fire stations, nursing homes, and mobile home parks after Hurricane Helene. The state initiative, supported by federal infrastructure funds, aims to complete 24 microgrids by next summer, though complex projects face delays due to supply chain and compliance rules.
The microgrid will reduce Beacon’s annual electricity costs by at least 25%, saving roughly $5,600 to reinvest in food assistance. The nonprofit also relocated its thrift store to a Main Street storefront, damaged during Helene, to expand food distribution amid increased demand following federal food aid cuts. Koontz emphasized the growing threat of extreme weather in the region, once considered a climate haven.