Amazon recently awarded a $135,000 grant to fully fund LCRC’s Supplemental Solar Project. This clean energy initiative will equip LCRC with the additional solar system necessary to reach full installation capacity. The grant will have a significant impact on the sustainability of LCRC’s operations, keeping operations costs manageable into the foreseeable future. Through this project, LCRC will be able to continue its vital services for the thousands of Louisa County residents who depend on its programs.

For more than 30 years, LCRC has been the primary source of free food in Louisa County, serving nearly 4,000 clients each month through its five food programs, Community Closet, and dental and transportation assistance programs.

“As you can imagine, it is quite expensive to run a 15,000 square foot facility with more than a dozen freezer and refrigeration units, ranging from walk-ins and two- and three-door units to single stand-ups and deep freezers. As demand for our services increases, so do our energy needs. We are honored to receive this generous award from Amazon for our Supplemental Solar Project, which will have a tremendous impact on keeping our energy costs manageable so that we can focus on what is truly important: serving our neighbors in need,” said Liz Goodwin, Executive Director.

According to Tiger Solar, the installation firm behind the project, the system will go live in the coming weeks. The resulting energy savings will shave approximately $1,000 off the month’s utility bill—enough to fund roughly 4,000 meals. “These savings have the potential to put nearly 48,000 meals on our clients’ tables each year,” said Goodwin.

“Organizations like LCRC are the backbone of their communities, feeding thousands of families and providing essential services that so many Louisa County residents depend on,” said Lisa Schooley, Community Engagement Manager, Amazon. “We’re proud to support their goals so they can keep doing what they do best—serving their neighbors. When we invest in sustainability alongside partners like LCRC, the impact goes far beyond energy savings. It’s about ensuring these vital programs can continue for years to come.”

LCRC first added solar to Warehouse 2 in 2021; this funding from Amazon will outfit the rest of the LCRC complex’s usable space with a system to maximize the facility’s full capacity.

“Being good stewards of our resources shapes our day-to-day operations and long-term strategic plan. Our clean energy efforts are a major component of LCRC’s long-term sustainability and, as leaders in the community, we also feel a responsibility to visibly demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. Thanks to Amazon, LCRC is confident that we can continue to carry out our mission,” said Goodwin.