Greater Washington Food Bank: New solar array could erase organization’s electric bill

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The Greater Washington County Food Bank could eliminate its electric bill this year.

On Tuesday, a 544-panel solar array kicked into gear at The FARM, which is owned by the food bank. 

The 209-kilowatt system will provide energy savings that will help the food bank continue its outreach. That includes work at the Healthy Habits Training Center, which is equipped with an educational center and teaching kitchens for cooking classes, and the Country Thrift Market, which offers gently used clothing, home goods and various items at a discount. 

The new solar panel system is housed at The FARM, a 22-acre plot of land used to offer educational opportunities for growing food through raised garden beds, hydroponic growing units and a greenhouse. 

The newly emerged system will help the food bank meet food insecurity needs in the county. 

Executive Director Connie Burd said it will hopefully offset the costs of the organization’s electric bill. 

“Our goal is to offset the cost of our electric utility, while being able to educate the community on eco-friendly practices and becoming self sustaining,” Burd said. “Our goal as an organization is much like the goal we have for our clients — to grow and become self sustaining and create opportunities to better ourselves.” 

Ed Johnstonbaugh, a Penn State Extension renewable energy educator, was instrumental in bringing the food bank to the forefront of renewable energy for farms in Washington County. 

“Through his leadership and guidance, the food bank has the potential to eliminate its annual electric bill and reallocate those funds towards serving its mission,” Burd said. 

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