Students and local leaders tour Food Bank of Northern Nevada
January 26th, 2010 | Published in News
Last Thursday, Black Rock Solar teamed up with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and the Desert Research Institute’s GreenPower Program to host a series of events aimed at improving education and awareness about renewable energy, conservation, and climate change while showcasing the Food Bank’s beautiful new building and their community-wide efforts to end hunger. In the morning, two Reno schools participated in field trips to the Food Bank.
At noon, we held a forum for Nevada non-profit organizations, educators, and board members to learn about solar options and initiatives.
VIP passes for students
Students from Mountain View Montessori
Mountain View Montessori and Fred Traner Middle School were invited to tour the Food Bank’s new 72,000 square foot facility and learn about the nearly 10 million pounds of food the organization distributes to hungry people every year. The Food Bank has been serving the people of northern Nevada for over 26 years.
Food Bank Executive Director Cherie Jamison guides a tour
Students thought the Food Bank’s huge refrigerator was awesome and wondered how long a person could survive in there before, well, they got “too” cold. Part of their tour included an informational scavenger hunt that added some fun and made sure they paid attention.
Students from Traner middle school
Each group of students was treated to an interactive play written by our own Rosalie Barnes. They learned about conservation and energy efficiency by standing in for traditional incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescents. Students were encouraged to come up with lots of ideas about how to save energy.
Students with lightbulbs
The play, dubbed “Kilowatts and Climate Change,” includes a section that teaches students about renewable energy and climate change. One student is selected to play the role of the earth, and then Tom Price heaps loads of black sweatshirts on his or her head to simulate the carbon that is emitted into the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels. The kids absolutely loved it.
Tom Price and "the Earth" in our play
The kids also learned about ways renewable energy can help fight global warming. They went outside where a new 150 kW array is affixed to the roof of the Food Bank, saving the organization approximately $33,000 per year. That’s enough money to buy 132,000 meals for families in Nevada.
Students in hard hats
Teachers and chaperons got to go up in the scissor lift and see the array up close.
Scissor lift rides.
Next up was a lunch forum for non-profit organizations, educators, and board members to learn about solar power options in northern Nevada. Invitees toured the Food Bank and then convened for an organic buffet meal by DISH Café & Catering. John Hargrove from NV Energy’s RenewableGenerations Program talked about the state’s renewable energy rebate program, and Black Rock Solar’s Tom Price talked about feasibility and how to research and begin new solar projects.
Joe Pizur chatting with John Hargrove
Participants asked a lot of great questions that reflected a sharp interest in solar power and the latest solar technology. Over 20 organizations attended, in addition to the Washoe County School District, Nevada Public Utilities Commission, and University of Nevada, Reno. In the months ahead, we hope to connect many of them to local contractors, who can help them install solar power as well.
Karl Walquist of NV Energy
Construction Manager Richard Scott with the kids
After lunch and the round-table discussion, we took everyone outside to ride the scissor lift and see the sparkly new solar array first-hand. Response to this event was overwhelmingly positive, and participants were excited to see the large array for themselves, knowing that significant steps are being taken in northern Nevada to curb greenhouse gas emissions and replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.
Here’s some news coverage of the events:
At My News 4:
http://www.mynews4.com/video.php?articleID=5664
The Daily Sparks Tribune:
We had a great day at the Food Bank, helping grow Nevada’s renewable energy future. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make the day successful!
