Rotary-funded produce cleaning station supports seniors and local farmers alike

A soon-to-be-completed produce washing station on the west side of 821 Water Street will help transform the way Copper Shores Meals on Wheels works with local farmers.

The new produce washing station, funded in part by the Rotary Club of Houghton, is a dedicated addition to our Meals on Wheels kitchen’s existing facility, aimed at improving efficiency and extending the use of locally grown food throughout the year. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Houghton not only granted money for the project, but will also donate their time to assist in preparing the facility for operations.

Construction of the cleaning station began earlier this spring, following a check presentation from the Rotary Club of Houghton in August 2024. The addition includes a variety of equipment funded through Rotary’s support, such as compartment sinks, food-specific rinsing systems, hoses, a proper drainage system, drying shelves and packaging counters.

It also features a walk-in cooler, which will help relieve pressure in the existing kitchen space. With this expanded layout, the kitchen can now function more efficiently, operating like an assembly line to support productivity and overall capacity.

“The cleaning station allows us to quickly wash and process the incredible volume of produce coming in from local farms,” said Kathleen Harter, Meals on Wheels program director. “Raspberries and potatoes need to be washed differently, and now we can do both efficiently. Not only can we use fresh food, but also store it for later in the year, like turning tomatoes into sauce during the winter.”

The new cleaning station benefits not only Meals on Wheels but also the broader local agricultural community. Built with flexibility in mind, the addition includes a garage door for easy vehicle access, and an electronic entry system that allows for convenient after-hours drop-offs. Whether it’s a small bundle of fresh herbs or 50 pounds of carrots, the facility is equipped to handle it, ensuring that the hard work and harvests of local farmers are put to good use rather than going to waste.

Part of bigger upgrade on Water Street

In addition to the new produce-cleaning station, a large storage garage is also being constructed on the building. This storage garage will have several freezers in it as well as work stations for Meals on Wheels staff to better process and store large food deliveries. The already-existing building is also being overhauled with a new roof, new windows and a total renovation of the east side of the building. Read more about that here.

Learn more and follow along

To learn more about our work supporting the local agricultural economy, and our commitment to feeding local seniors local food, sign up for our free monthly Meals on Wheels newsletter. If any farmers are interested in working with Meals on Wheels, please email Tribin Holbrook, Meals on Wheels kitchen manager, at tholbrook@coppershores.org.