Description

In the constant battle against food waste, food banks now have a powerful ally: Airocide® air purifiers by Sterilumen. Developed for NASA and now protecting Earth, this innovative technology targets the ethylene gas released by certain fruits and vegetables, which accelerates the ripening of nearby produce. By integrating Airocide into their operations, food banks can significantly extend the shelf life of ethylene-sensitive items like lettuce, berries, and mushrooms.

The Ethylene Challenge

Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that plays a crucial role in the ripening process. While beneficial for getting fruits and vegetables to peak ripeness, it poses a challenge for storage. Ethylene-sensitive produce, such as berries, mushrooms, and leafy greens, can quickly become overripe when exposed to this gas. This not only leads to increased food waste but also affects the quality and nutritional value of the produce distributed by food banks.

How Airocide Works

Airocide uses advanced photocatalytic oxidation technology to eliminate ethylene gas, mold, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens. Unlike traditional air purifiers, Airocide doesn’t trap contaminants; it destroys them at the molecular level. This ensures that the air around stored produce remains free of harmful gases and pathogens, thereby slowing down the ripening process and extending shelf life.

Benefits for Food Banks

For food banks, the implications of using Airocide are significant:

• Reduced Food Waste: By slowing down the ripening process, food banks can keep produce fresh for longer, reducing the amount of food that spoils before it can be distributed.
• Improved Quality: Fresher produce means higher quality and more nutritious food for those in need.
• Cost Savings: Less waste translates to cost savings, allowing food banks to allocate resources more efficiently.

Real-World Impact

Emily Johnson, director of a local food bank, shared her experience with Airocide: “Since we started using Airocide, we’ve seen a noticeable difference in the freshness of our produce. It has allowed us to serve more families with higher quality food.”

Learn More at the Feeding America Conference

To explore how Airocide can benefit your food bank, visit the Feeding America: Feed, Nourish, Connect Conference in Minneapolis, MN, from August 15th-16th, 2023. Stop by booth #30 to see a demonstration and speak with experts about implementing this technology in your operations.

For more details on Airocide technology, visit Sterilumen’s Airocide product page.

Conclusion

As food banks strive to meet the growing demand for nutritious food, innovative solutions like Airocide offer a way to enhance operations, reduce waste, and better serve communities. By addressing the challenge of ethylene gas and airborne pathogens, food banks can ensure that the food they provide remains fresh and nutritious for longer periods, ultimately making a greater impact on the fight against hunger.

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