By Carol Buckout
Special to NKyTribune
When Master Provisions cut the ribbon for the grand opening of its new cold storage and freezer unit, there were local dignitaries on hand. They were joined by representatives from the foundations and other organizations who funded the cold storage project.
Also, students from Boone County’s Area Technology Center were on hand to celebrate. These high school seniors are studying welding and they designed, fabricated, and installed steel safety rails for the cold storage unit. The safety rails meets OSHA standards for warehouse safety.
The brief ceremony was preceded by a lunch buffet and informal tours of the facility.
Roger Babik
The unit is large (forklifts can drive inside) and has two cold storage compartments, and one freezer compartment. It doubles the cold storage space available to help non-profit organizations in Northern Kentucky feed the hungry. The shortage of cold storage space had been identified as a community-wide need among nonprofits engaged in hunger relief.
Master Provisions receives donated food– primarily fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and some meats– sorts the food into manageable quantities and distributes the food to non-profits who directly serve those facing food insecurity. Master Provisions partners with about 150 of these nonprofits, which include soup kitchens, shelters, school weekend “backpack” programs, and neighborhood food pantries.
Boone County Schools and Master Provisions are service learning partners, providing Boone County students with opportunities for volunteer service that relates to, and enhances, their academic experiences. Through this partnership, the welding students took on the safety rail project.
The cold storage unit was funded with gifts from the R.C. Durr Foundation, Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust, Fifth Third Bank Trustee, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Lisa Borland Family Fund, International Disaster Emergency Service and Nicholson Christian Church.
