In Summer 2022, we installed 141 refrigerators at local corner stores and grocery stores. The program, called the Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program, offered free energy efficient refrigerators to businesses to be stocked with healthy food options. It also promoted the replacement and recycling of older, inefficient models, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced energy usage for store owners.
The Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program was founded in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and with funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CFDA).
The Challenge
The Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program aimed to address a myriad of challenges: food deserts, energy waste, and the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses. With COVID-19 forcing us all to stay closer to home, these communities were further restricted in their food choices, and some businesses struggled to keep afloat.
The program launched during the height of the pandemic in August of 2020 and had to pivot to conduct outreach while protecting community health and safety.
Our Strategy
TEC implemented The Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program, with Los Angeles County serving as the program administrator. As the program implementer, TEC took the lead in designing the program, reaching out to the community, developing educational materials, and achieving the program’s goals.
How did we get it done? Here are a few key strategies:
- We formed strong relationships with refrigerator recyclers and suppliers to make sure the old refrigerators are recycled responsibly
- Developed and deployed socially-distanced outreach for program enrollment
- Secured funding from LADWP for additional education and pop-up marketing, allowing us to reach more business owners and meet program participation goals
- Amplified program impact by partnering with SoCalREN’s Green Path Career Program and Climate Corps AmeriCorps, getting help on outreach efforts from two green career fellowship participants
- Partnered with LA Food Policy Council’s Healthy Network Market Neighborhood Stores program to help promote our program to small businesses
- Partnered with LA County’s Wellness Wednesday campaign to enhance education on healthy foods and boost engagement at pop-up events
18k+ kWh
Saved annually through refrigerator installations
68
Community pop-up events hosted
141
Refrigerators installed
84
Small businesses supported by the program
What’s Next
We are proud to have supported a program that used a holistic approach for successful energy solutions. Participating businesses were able to upgrade their equipment, save money on their energy bills, and provide healthy food options for their community. Due to the program’s success and high levels of community interest in the program, we are exploring additional funding opportunities to continue the program in 2023 and beyond. Read the full program report here.
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