Facing Hunger Foodbank received funding from the American Electric Power Foundation in June to furnish the century-old warehouse with its first commercial refrigeration unit.

FHF will put the refrigerator to use for the first time 11 a.m. Thursday. It will welcome local partner agencies to pick up fresh produce, eggs, dairy and meat to stock their food pantries in time for Thanksgiving.

Within the FHF service region, more than 15 percent of the population struggles with hunger, including 36,930 children.

Cyndi Kirkhart, FHF executive director, said the food bank has at times faced some limitations with its current warehouse.

“Prior to the AEP Foundation’s generous gift, we were only able to house frozen and nonperishable food items,” Kirkhart said. “The addition of the refrigerator will allow us to incorporate a more diverse range of foods into our inventory.”

Kirkart said healthy food items, such as fresh produce, are often times the most costly and difficult items for the individuals served by FHF to access.

A focus on healthy foods has been incorporated into the organizations overall operations, and Krikhart said this donation directly furthers that goal.

Steve Stewart, AEP’s external affairs director, acknowledged the impact the food bank has on the community.

“We’re so glad to be able to support the important work of the Facing Hunger Foodbank,” Stewart said. “The AEP Foundation has placed a priority on making sure the basic needs of West Virginians are met.”

Taylor Watts can be contacted at [email protected].