Portland, OR. Meals on Wheels People has introduced a new vehicle into its fleet – an all-electric van with a refrigeration unit powered by solar energy. The van was funded by a grant from the Portland General Electric (PGE) Drive Change Fund and was built by Lightning eMotors of Loveland, Colorado.
The Lightning Electric Transit Van is a zero-emission electric vehicle. The van is believed to be the first electric van deployed in the United States to have a fully functioning solar-powered refrigeration system, used to keep meals fresh for delivery. The refrigeration unit is powered by a 12-volt battery pack that is charged by the vehicle when the van is plugged in and by a solar panel when the vehicle is in the sun.
The refrigeration unit is powered by a 12-volt battery pack that is charged by the vehicle when the van is plugged in and by a solar panel when the vehicle is in the sun.
The PGE Drive Change Fund is funded via the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Clean Fuels Program and is awarded annually through a competitive grant process. Meals on Wheels People received the grant in 2020. The PGE Drive Change Fund allowed Meals on Wheels People to purchase two electric vehicles and install electric vehicle charging stations at its headquarters in Multnomah Village, allowing staff, volunteers and the public to charge their vehicles while on location.
“Sustainability is part of our corporate culture and Meals on Wheels People is committed to reducing its impact on the environment,” said Meals on Wheels People CEO Suzanne Washington. “Converting to electric vehicles is just one step in our Green Initiative and helped us earn a spot on the list of 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon. We are extremely grateful to PGE for providing us the funding for our new electric vehicles and charging stations.”
The van will be used for the Meals 4 Kids, which serves qualified children and families within the City of Portland experiencing food insecurity and is funded by the Portland Children’s Levy.
Here’s a video about the program:
“We’re thrilled to support the Meals on Wheels People mission,” said Eva DeCesaro, manager of PGE’s Clean Fuels Program. “This electric van and charging infrastructure will contribute to the reduction of emissions not just for the wonderful people at Meals on Wheels, but for everyone they serve, and the larger community here in Oregon.”
To build the Class 3 vehicle, Lightning eMotors partnered with refrigeration manufacturer Volta Air, based in Canada, and solar-panel supplier Merlin Solar of San Jose, California. The van is capable of traveling delivery routes while maintaining cargo at refrigerator temperatures – all with zero emissions. Emerald Transportation Solutions of Fayetteville, Georgia installed the refrigeration unit, its battery pack, and insulation liner.
“Last-mile delivery of chilled food via electric vehicles is expected to be an emerging trend as more zero-emission vehicles are deployed,” said Bill Kelley, chief technical officer, Lightning eMotors. “Our engineering team worked very closely with Volta Air to assure seamless integration of this innovative battery charging and refrigeration functionality. It’s a pleasure to be able to deliver this innovative van to Meals on Wheels People.”
About Meals on Wheels People:
Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls, and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit mowp.org.
About Portland General Electric:
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE has 16 generation plants in five Oregon counties, and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2019, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $4.3 million and volunteered 32,900 hours with more than 700 nonprofits across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/news.
SnowCap board members Judi Allen and Bev Carlson discovered hot deals in the flower garden of prizes donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Representative Carla Piluso, D-Gresham, returned as emcee of SnowCap auction as well as donating a rustic Italian dinner party for ten. Jim Liefeld and Gail Swanson fueled up for serious bidding.
JillMarie Wiles was auctioneer for the 380 guests in attendance at the March 11th auction at the Holiday Inn Portland Airport. Executive Director Judy Alley says SnowCap is a vital resource for many working families in East County. “The funds raised make it possible for us to serve our neighbors. Our clients are mostly the working poor, children, elderly or disabled. Support raised at this event is a sign of how much East Multnomah County cares for this community.” Program coordinators encourage people to help by choosing SnowCap on a Fred Meyer rewards card or when shopping at Smile.Amazon.com.
Jeanne Grant and Susan Sloan share a laugh with SnowCap Executive Director Judy Alley, who will retire this fall after 26 years of service. Snowcap administrative expenses constitute just 6.5% of total expenses.
SnowCap Warehouse Coordinator Jason Ingram is a man on a mission for chocolate in the Dessert Dash.
Some of the local sponsors for the benefit included: Les Schwab Tire Centers, The Boeing Company, Pacific Power, PGE, Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Alyson Huntting, Sally Gaudina, broker, RE/MAX Equity Group and Gethsemane Lutheran.
A multigenerational crew of 1,000 volunteers help the nonprofit run smoothly. Here’s a video about volunteering with the program:
From SnowCap:
SnowCap is located behind the Rockwood United Methodist Church at 17805 SE Stark.
To visit the pantry, enter using the west driveway from Stark Street.
Portland, September 15th. The nonprofit called YouthBuilders is one of the Timbers’ Pillar Partners. Representatives from the program presented the team flag before the match against the Seattle Sounders, which ended in a 1-1 draw. (A 78th-minute goal by Timbers defender Rodney Wallace evened the score in the volatile match.)
Portland YouthBuilders stretched out the circular flag. The nonprofit provides long term support for low income youth. Each year, it provides education and vocational training for over 200 young people between the ages of 17 and 24 who have not completed high school and who face barriers to success.
YouthBuilders is one of many nonprofits to present the flag and receive free tickets through the Tix for Kids program, others included ROSE CDC,I have a Dream Foundation, Playworks and Latino Network. The ticket giveaway is sponsored by KPTV, JELD-WEN, Providence, NW Natural, Alaska Airlines, PGE, and Burgerville. In addition, at each game the Timbers hold silent auctions with unique team memorabilia to raise money for community work.
The Timbers hold soccer camps and coaching clinics for local kids.
The Timbers Army was out in force during the match against Seattle.
Next, Portland travels to face San Jose on September 19th, while Seattle shifts gears to a CONCACAF Champions League match the same day against Marathon in Honduras.
The Portland Timbers have adopted the following nonprofit pillar partners for the 2011-2013 seasons:
Big Brothers Big SistersColumbia Northwest
The Portland Timbers will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest on the Sports Buddies program, which is a one-to-one mentoring program for at-risk youth with an emphasis on sports.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.
Friends of Trees
The Portland Timbers, JELD-WEN and Friends of Trees will partner for the next few seasons. Every time the Timbers score a goal, the club and JELD-WEN will plant a tree in the Portland community through the Score a Goal, Plant a Tree partnership with Friends of Trees.
Portland YouthBuilders
The Portland Timbers will partner with Portland YouthBuilders on a community service project in conjunction with MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program. The Timbers will work in a collaborative effort to combine sport and service and improve lives and communities in the Portland area.
Learn more about MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program.
Other nonprofit connections include Schoolhouse Supplies. In what has become an eight year tradition with Schoolhouse Supplies, the Portland Timbers and The UPS Store welcomed every Jason Lee student to the 2012-13 school year with a new backpack filled with new school supplies for the year.
Would you like to volunteer alongside one of The Portland Timbers? Starting Monday, October 8th, Team members and their sponsors will have a Stand Together Week as a call to action to get involved in our community.
Hands on Greater Portland has a listing of options: Browse the 40+ projects below and sign up for the opportunity to volunteer alongside a Portland Timbers player, ambassador, or Timber Joey! Stand Together Week participants will also get an official Stand Together scarf and adidas drawstring bag as a thank you for stepping up to support volunteerism.
All projects require a $30 registration fee per volunteer, which serves as a donation to Hands On Greater Portland to help cover the cost of organizing this week of service.
Click below to learn more about a specific project and sign up:
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