Solar-powered refrigerated kiosks aim to boost food security in Franklin
Mon, August 3, 2026 at 6:21 PM
UpdatedMon, August 3, 2026 at 7:15 PM
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AUG. 3, 2026 – Community fridge located at First United Methodist Church. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
FRANKLIN, N.C. (WLOS) —Five local partners in the Town of Franklin have teamed up to create Fresh Access Franklin, providing a new reree community fridge kiosks
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The project, funded by Dogwood Health Trust for the next two years, enabled the installation of three solar-powered kiosks following a health assessment completed by the town in 2024
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The health assessment cited food security as one of the county’s top priorities
Macon County Health AssessmentPDF preview
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According to Cara-Lee Langston, executive director of Franklin Farm Hub, the assessment also found that 20% of Macon County residents may not know where their next meal will come from
“Our most recent community health assessment performed by Macon County Public Health determined that about 20% of Macon County residents may not know where their next meal is coming from. After surveying our community, we heard that they would love more fresh access to local food,” Langston said
Franklin Farm Hub buys fresh vegetables from local farms to help keep each kiosk stocked. The local partners with Fresh Access Franklin also help keep the kiosks stocked by keeping them supplied with dry goods and other essentials families might need
AUG. 3, 2026 – Solar-powered community fridge kiosk being stocked in Franklin, N.C. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
The local partners include the International Friendship Center, Vecinos Health Hub, Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction, Franklin Farm Hub and First United Methodist Church
Since launching in July, Langston said the kiosks have been a success in the community
“The response has been overwhelming. Franklin Farm Hub stocks the kiosks twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, and typically the food has been gathered and taken to people’s homes within just a few hours,” Langston said
Langston said Fresh Franklin Access hopes the kiosks will evolve into the community giving back, as well, already seeing this occurring since the kiosks’ opening
AUG. 3, 2026 – Solar-powered community fridge kiosk being stocked in Franklin, N.C. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
“So, the donations in our community have been awesome. Folks have been able to provide extra produce that grows in their gardens or if they cook an extra pot of soup at home, courting it up and labeling it and putting it in the fridge has been tremendously helpful to boosting our impact,” Langston said.
Community members said the kiosks are a great addition, allowing those in need to get healthy food options
“Most people don’t have the chance to maybe get really good quality stuff through some of the programs through SNAP and things like that. Sometimes it’s only limited food options for them. It’s maybe not the best quality. Sometimes this gives a chance to kinda get things growing in local communities for those in need, some healthier options,” Jonathan Byrd, a resident, said
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Fresh Access Franklin aims to add more kiosks in the future, but for now, the three locations are listed below:
- Vecinos Health Hub is located at 19 Smoky Mountain Drive in Franklin, NC
- First United Methodist Church located at 3261 Georgia Road in Franklin, NC
- Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction located at 66 Harrison Avenue in Franklin, NC
For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit here
