Beacon's Pantry is now solar, as part of an effort to increase the resilience of key community hubs across WNC. The 56 panel solar array, installed by Rhino Renewables, which includes 3 backup batteries and an expansion pack, ensures all core pantry equipment necessary for Beacon to safely continue distributing food in the event of a power outage will be 100% operational.

Additionally, this system will help offset Beacon's monthly power bill, allowing those funds to be redirected towards further supporting our core food assistance programs.

We are truly grateful for our partners for this AMAZING project!!

Land of Sky Regional Council

The Footprint Project

Invest Appalachia

Rhino Renewables

Articles you can read about this project:

All Things Considered - NPR, Katie Myers

“Renewable energy microgrids bolster resilience in NC mountains” - Carolina Public Press, Walker Livingston

“North Carolina food bank gets microgrid backup for future storms” - Canary Press, Elizabeth Ouzts

“From Response to Resilience: Two Years After Hurricane Helene” - The Footprint Project

“North Carolina food bank gets first solar microgrid, keeping freezers on when the grid fails” - The Cool Down, Leslie Sattler