FreshKeep: Cold Chain Hubs Program
FreshKeep: Cold Chain Hubs
FreshKeep: Cold Chain Hubs for Market Women Program
Clean, reliable cold storage that turns daily losses into lasting gains.
The Challenge
Every day, thousands of women traders lose part of their income because fresh produce spoils in the heat. Without cold storage, they must sell quickly or at a loss. Power outages, fuel costs, and poor infrastructure make traditional refrigeration unsustainable.
- High post-harvest losses due to lack of cold storage.
- Unreliable or unaffordable electricity for cooling.
- Lower profits from price drops at end-of-day sales.
Our Solution
The FreshKeep program deploys modular, solar- and waste-powered cooling systems to preserve perishable goods. By reducing waste and stabilizing income, women gain control over pricing, inventory, and time.
- Solar or bio-waste powered cold rooms and freezers.
- Affordable storage services managed by women cooperatives.
- Training for maintenance, booking, and shared ownership models.
Activities
- Install solar-powered cold storage hubs in high-volume markets.
- Train women operators and cooperative managers in maintenance and pricing.
- Partner with municipalities for waste-to-energy pilots.
- Collect data on food loss reduction and income growth.
Expected Outcomes
- 30–60% reduction in spoilage and food waste.
- Higher and more stable incomes for women traders.
- Cleaner markets and more reliable food supply chains.
- Demonstrated renewable energy solutions for urban markets.
How You Can Support
- Donate: Fund solar installations and maintenance training.
- Partner: Co-finance market pilots or provide energy technology.
- Advocate: Support policies promoting clean energy for food systems.
Keep food fresh. Keep families thriving.
Your support brings sustainable cold storage to women’s markets—reducing waste, saving income, and advancing clean energy solutions.