USDA funding solar energy project for rural Kansas grocer

LINDSBORG, Kan. (KWCH) - The United States Department of Agriculture is giving more than $5 million to seven clean-energy projects in Kansas. Among the beneficiaries is White’s Kingco Incorporated, a rural grocer receiving $500,000 for a solar energy project that’d provide enough energy to power 60 homes.

Christy Davis, rural development director for the USDA, said the REAP, or Rural Energy for America Program, helps rural business owners expand their use of energy efficiency improvements.

“Whatever we can do to make these businesses more sustainable, both economically and from an energy standpoint, the better we will be,” Davis said.

The solar project includes grocery stores in Kingman and Lindsborg.

“We know that rural grocery stores are essential for healthy food systems within our rural communities,” Davis said. “Projects at grocery stores in Kingman and Lindsborg will help them be more energy-efficient for a lot of cost savings, but also, this project in particular is going to allow them to save, produce enough energy through (a) sustainable source that would power 60 homes, the equivalent of 60 homes.”

White’s Kingco Inc. Owner Jordan White said he sees this as an investment in his stores and rural communities.

“This potential for solar, ya know, it’s an investment from us into these buildings and community, but it’s also an investment into these towns, as well,” White said. “It’s really exciting for the towns. I mean, a lot of people say that the grocery stores are kind of the lifeblood of some of these rural communities.”

White said the next step with the USDA-funded project is to work with the cities of Kingman and Lindsborg to establish solar power at the stores.