Ready for Mother Nature: New Emergency Generator Installed

Clients rely on us for 3 meals a day, six days a week—for many we are their only source of food. We have promised to never miss a delivery no matter how severe the weather conditions, and have proudly been able to keep this commitment for 25 years. But, as we grow and serve more people, it’s getting harder. So, this spring, we took a huge step toward maintaining this record by purchasing and installing a commercial grade, natural gas-powered emergency generator.

Thanks to a $155,000 bond bill from the State of Maryland sponsored by State Senator Richard Madaleno and State Delegate Heather Mizeur, and $155,000 in generous gifts from The Cafritz Foundation, Fleur Bresler, the Offices of Prince George’s County Councilmembers Mary A. Lehman and Andrea C. Harrison, and the Meyer Foundation, our new generator will enable us to continue meeting the needs of hundreds of children and adults facing life-challenging illnesses.

Depending on the duration, the consequences of a power outage could be crippling to our operations. Food safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to providing healthy and nutritious meals for clients with compromised immune systems. Should a significant, long-term power outage occur, the new generator will be activated in order to prevent food stored at our facility from spoiling and being exposed to harmful bacteria.

The generator will also run the building’s air conditioning, heating, and lighting, allowing staff and volunteers to continue working to prepare and provide scheduled meal deliveries.

The extraordinary demonstrations of generosity from the aforementioned supporters will have a lasting impact on the lives of an extremely vulnerable population.