YAKIMA, Wash. — Northwest Harvest said a new solar project at its Yakima distribution center is expected to lower operating costs and send more money back into food support programs.

The statewide hunger relief organization invited media to the site to show the construction and explain how the project ties into its larger food distribution work. In Yakima, the group runs a program that helps students across the county get food they need.

Mike Doonan, the supply chain operations manager, said the student support program had been in place for more than a decade.

“It’s usually a little breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a snack. Just some things that get them over,” he said.

Doonan said the food is meant to help students who may not have enough to eat at home.

“We know that some kids don’t get food at home. If that’s the only place to get food is at school. So this is a supplemental thing that they can use,” he said.

Northwest Harvest partnered with Ellensburg Solar to install more than 300 solar panels at the facility. The organization said the added renewable energy will reduce power use.

Acting CEO Gary Newte said the savings could top $1 million and would be put back into the food distribution system.

“Times are tough, and expenses are up. So any opportunity that we have to save on operational costs and redirect them back into direct services is always a great opportunity,” he said.

Northwest Harvest says it wants the project to stand for more than solar energy. The organization said it also saw the effort as part of building resiliency in the food system.