<p>For Immediate Release Please Date: November 4, 2016 Contact: Regina Grabrovac, Healthy Acadia [email protected] or 255-3741</p><p>Cold Storage Unit Offers Fresh Product Storage for Local Food Pantries</p><p>Machias. On Sunday, November 13, 2016, from 12:00-12:45pm, the public is invited to visit Healthy Acadia’s new CoolBot cold storage unit, located at the organization’s Machias office at 121 Court Street. Access to cold storage is a crucial component of Healthy Acadia’s Gleaning Initiative, which has a frequent need to store fresh vegetables and fruits collected from local farms until food pantries are able to pick them up for distribution. The additional 64 square feet of cooler space has greatly expanded the capacity of this year’s gleaning efforts. </p><p>The new CoolBot unit will also benefit local food security organizations, many of which do not have sufficient cold storage on site. Local food pantries are encouraged to make use of Healthy Acadia’s CoolBot unit to store fresh products until they can be distributed to patrons. </p><p>CoolBot units are economical, simple to build, and maintain a constant temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit when running properly. The CoolBot works by transforming any well-insulated shed or room into a walk-in cooler by harnessing the cooling power of a standard air conditioner. Costing thousands of dollars less than a commercial walk-in refrigerator, CoolBots offer a reliable and budget-friendly cold storage option for your farm, business, organization, or home garden.</p><p>This free event is sponsored by Healthy Acadia’s USDA Farm to School grant. All are invited and welcome to attend, and light snacks will be provided. Healthy Acadia’s Machias office is located at 121 Court St in Machias, just off the corner of Broadway and Court Streets. Look for the “Healthy Acadia” sign on the right, just past the FairPoint Communications building, heading towards Downeast Community Hospital. The Coolbot walk-in unit is located at the rear of the parking lot. For more information, contact Regina Grabrovac, Healthy Acadia’s Food Programs Coordinator in Washington County, at 255- 3741 or [email protected].</p><p>###</p>