Impact The Change and Waste Not OC Coalition Unveil World’s First Off The Grid Solar Powered Cold Storage Unit

Inside of “The Beast,” a first of its kind modified shipping container that can operate on solar power and hold thousands of ready-to-eat meals.

STAFF REPORT

Rolling blackouts, power outages, other disasters won’t affect ‘The Beast’, a forty foot shipping container converted to store thousands of frozen meals for people in need

ANAHEIM — The world’s first off the grid, fully sustainable, completely green 100% solar powered freezer unit will be turned on at its new home on the campus of Anaheim High School on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at an event beginning at 11:30am.

The need for emergency cold storage for recovered excess edible food from the food service industry to distribute to non-profit food pantries has been a priority for Mike Learakos, Executive Director of Waste Not OC, and Impact The Change’s Founder, Jonathan Stone.

After three years of planning and building, ‘The Beast’ was created from a forty foot refrigerated cargo container, designed to ship food.  During a power outage, its solar technology will generate its own green power, virtually eliminating food waste, and operate completely off of the electrical grid.

Local businesses are on board developing products for the unit to help protect, maintain inventory and manage temperature for thousands of vacuum sealed, frozen ‘Ready To Heat & Eat’ meals used to feed people that can’t get out for a nutritious, hot meal.  This new cold storage unit will also help feed those in need during a disaster, regardless of power interruptions, including rolling black outs.

Steve Steppe of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Union Black Caucus in San Diego lead the conversion project, providing at risk young adults with vocational training.

Partial funding through a grant to Waste Not OC was provided by Orange County Waste & Recycling.   An estimated 19.6 million pounds of food was recovered in 2019.  85% of that food was recycled, making it the most cost effective recycling program in the state.

Michael Collier, Executive Producer of Television’s “The Big Bang Theory”, “Mom” & “Two and a Half Men”, is producing a pilot episode based on Impact The Change’s solar powered cold storage project.

Anaheim Union High School District approved space for ‘The Beast’ in the parking lot along North West Street at Anaheim High School.  This will serve as a hub for Orange County food recovery, as part of a proposed network of other green, off the grid solar powered cold storage containers to be placed around Orange County and Southern California.

Learakos, said the unit could also be used to store COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Mini Monocular Telescope Focusing Optical Binoculars Waterproof and Non-Slip Monoculars for Adults, Black

(18)

(as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

MED PRIDE Non Latex Gloves Medium Disposable Non Sterile Powder Free Exam Gloves Vinyl Nitrile Blend Rubber Free Single Use for Nurses Medical 100 Count

(44814)

$8.67 (as of April 30, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Comfort Tape (30 Pack) - Pain Free Removal, Hypoallergenic, Latex Free & Gentle On Skin - Latex Free Bowling Finger Protection Tape

(29)

$13.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming

(13986)

$19.99 (as of April 30, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025 Pro Saker Twister Arm Trainer, 40-100lb Adjustable Power Twister Bar, Chest Shoulder Arm Workout Equipment, Portable Detachable Upper Body Fitness Machine

(46)

$37.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black

(5699)

$159.99 (as of April 30, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Mighty Patch™ Original patch from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Covering Zits and Blemishes in Face and Skin, Vegan-friendly and Not Tested on Animals (36 Count)

(172716)

$12.99 (as of April 30, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder, Dog Dental Powder and Cats Breath Freshener, Plaque Off Pet Tooth Cleaning lab co, Bad Breath & Tartar Remover for Dogs, Dog Teeth Cleaning with Enzymes- 60-Day Supply -Mint

(86)

$21.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack

(33472)

$17.95 (as of April 30, 2025 06:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

WOOF Dog Pupsicle Mix - Easy-to-Make DIY Pupsicle Refills - Tasty, Healthy Pupsicle Mix - Wholesome Ingredients - Long-Lasting - Calming Mix

(90)

$19.99 (as of April 29, 2025 17:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)