Harvest Regional Food Bank to Receive Awards $27,000 Grant to Expand Equipment

Harvest Regional Food Bank, Texarkana, received a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation, for $27,000 to support the purchase of much needed equipment for its facility. A check presentation will take place on Friday, August 2, 2019, 10AM, at Harvest Regional Food Bank, 3120 East 19^th Street.

The goal of the Equipment Expansion Project is to improve the efficiency and safety of food sourcing, storage and distribution, and ultimately, to increase the access to nutritious foods for thousands of food insecure families, seniors and children. The funds will be used for the purchase of a Dooson 5,000 lb Capacity Cushion Forklift and 4,500 lb capacity Electric Pallet Jack.

“Harvest is at a critical point, where investments in our capacity are needed for us to continue meeting the needs of those we serve, and to continue having the same impact as fellow food banks around the country,” according to Camille Coker Wrinkle, Executive Director.

“This equipment will increase the Food Bank's ability to safely accept, store and ultimately, distribute millions of pounds of food to hungry individuals throughout our ten county service area.”

“SWEPCO is pleased to be a part of the great work that Harvest Regional Food Bank is doing in the communities we serve and beyond,” according to Jennifer Harland, External Affairs Manager for Southwest Electrical Power Company.  “Addressing such issues as nutrition and food insecurity will assist our communities build brighter futures for all.”

The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its utility operating units. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger.