The Feather River Food Co-op in Quincy announces the successful acquisition of a substantial $240,952 grant from the Sierra Healthy Refrigeration Program, courtesy of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The sustainable refrigeration upgrade grant will fund the replacement of aging equipment in the store, increasing energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.
“Our commitment to sustainability and efficiency is unwavering, and this grant is a testament to our dedication,” says FRFC General Manager Marcie Wilde. “With this grant, we’ll not only ensure a smoother shopping experience for our community but also contribute significantly to environmental preservation.” The upgrades will also benefit the co-op financially: “Broken down equipment cost us at least $35,000 in 2023, and we are looking forward to the day we don’t have to have our repair guys on speed dial,” Wilde remarked.
Behind the cases of produce at the co-op are miles of piping with hundreds of valves, containing a literal metric ton of refrigerants — powerful greenhouse gasses. According to recent studies, a traditional supermarket refrigeration system leaks an average of 25% of its refrigerants annually. Thus, the United States’ 38,000 grocery stores contribute annual emissions equivalent to those of almost 13 million cars. The co-op reports that the new energy-efficient refrigerators funded by this grant will drastically minimize leakage, mending a small but vital piece of a broader industry problem.
The co-op acknowledged the advocacy and guidance provided by Lisa Kelly, a devoted co-op member, in navigating the grant application process, “underscoring the collaborative spirit driving our community’s success.”
For more information about Feather River Food Co-op, a member-owned cooperative, visit https://featherriver.coop/.
Information submitted by Feather River Food Co-op