Spray Insulation and a Shipping Container Help Fight Food Deserts in South Dallas

With a little bit of ingenuity, Koala Insulation of Dallas was able to turn an old metal shipping container into a giant walk-in food pantry for Dallas residents whose access to fresh groceries create a food desert in their community. The local insulation company teamed with 4DWN, a South Dallas non-profit committed to fighting food insecurity in the inner city.

4DWN rescues thousands of pounds of healthy food each week and distributes it to inner-city residents. Koala Insulation of Dallas had the opportunity this winter to help the organization convert a shipping container into a giant walk-in food pantry. The local insulation company sprayed closed-cell polyurethane foam on the walls and roof inside the large container, converting the large space into a climate-controlled food storage container.

The application of spray foam insulation to high-end homes has become a standard building practice in Dallas, North Texas, and throughout the nation – especially in colder climates. The foam has an exceptionally high ability to block heat transfer, making it one of the best, (though most expensive), building insulators. With the application of this insulation to a large shipping container, 4DWN has created a massive food storage facility that will prolong the life of the fresh food it collects and distributes every week.

“Applying state-of-the-art building technology to help 4DWN in their mission to improve the lives of those living in a food desert is very rewarding,” says Charlie Sikes, General Manager and Co-Owner of Koala Insulation. “Doing good work that serves the community and improves the lives of Dallas residents makes our job even better.”

4DWN’s approach is unique — rooted in skateboarding, the organization attracts youth and volunteers to its skate park facility and brings people together for the purpose of fostering growth and opportunities for youth and the community.

Working more closely with DFW organizations with a mission to support our communities is a goal of Sikes and the Koala Insulation team and a great way to do business with a purpose.