FlexCold’s Post

As we move into the summer of 2024 let's take a look back at the summer of 1936... That summer was one of the hottest on record and was part of what we now call the 'Dust Bowl' years. About 5,000 people died from the heat that year. To escape the stifling indoor heat people slept outdoors on their lawns, on courthouses and public building lawns, and also in parks. On August 14 in Lincoln Nebraska, an explosion destroyed part of the Grainger Brothers Wholesale Fruit and Grocery (not W.F Grainger) killing 3. 7 employees were rescued with 3 of those critically injured. What happened? The explosion occurred in the banana ripening room although the exact cause is unknown here is what we do know. Ethylene gas was used to ripen the fruit and is a highly combustible gas. The gas would have also refrigerated the space. Obviously, the gas built up to its explosive limits, and some spark caused the explosion. Was the gas build-up due to equipment failure? Did the spark come from the operation of a light switch or was this a tempting place for employees to take a break, escape the heat, and have a smoke? We don't know. We do know that Granger Brothers survived the explosion and rebuilt the warehouse with an improved refrigerated fruit ripening area. Grainger Brothers went on to become one of the largest food wholesalers in the area but they would do a little more than that. Harry Grainger, President of Grainger Brothers, developed the idea of a food stamp distribution program where people who needed financial help could trade these stamps at any retailer for food. This plan was adopted nationwide. Yes, the government food stamp program was developed out of the heart of a private grocer in Lincoln, Nebraska that wanted to fight hunger. Although most of the credit goes to the 1939 Secretary of Agriculture Henry Wallace who combined several private relief programs into one. That program ended in 1943 due to high employment numbers and a reduction in food surpluses. A pilot program would start up again in 1961 and through several legislative changes become the SNAP program of today. Looking at the News Photo from ACME showing the rescue efforts of that day my eyes are drawn to the early 1930s Ford flatbed truck in the lower right with the hose reel and the man operating it. Is that the town's firetruck? #Historymatters #firesafety The photo is from a private collection.

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage

From grocery runs to strolls: Here's a few common everyday spaces that sees higher than average slips, trips and falls. 🌳 Public Footpaths: Uneven surfaces, potholes or hazardous conditions can lead to accidents. 🛒 Supermarkets: Spills, misplaced items, or negligence in maintenance can create dangerous situations. 🏡 Private Property: Whether at a friend's house or a business premises, your safety matters. Remember, consulting with our award-winning claims team is the first step to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. #SafeSpaces #PublicLiability #PersonalInjury

5 Clever Ways to Maximize Your Low Pantry Shelves

Taking a peek behind current grocery store prices, we broke down of the rising cost of typical summer cookout items and sat down with a Family and Consumer Science agent, Dayna Fentress, for some practical tips for keeping a family’s costs lower at the market. & More!! https://bit.ly/46P1p3n

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage

9 Ways to Organize Deep Pantry Shelves for Clutter-Free Storage