MOUNT VERNON — Numerous retailers benefited from the selfless generosity of Lanning’s Foods when electricity was knocked out from last weekend’s windstorm. Utilizing coolers and freezers which were kept running by power from a generator, Lanning’s allowed other businesses to use their extra storage space so foods could be kept cold and not spoil. Parkside Restaurant, High Restaurant, Southside Diner, Mister Pizza, Fiesta Mexicana and others were able to save much of their food by storing it at Lanning’s.
“We’re always glad to help these people out,” said Sam Gilardi, co-owner and operations manager. “We have all this refrigerated warehouse space, so for me it’s just having backup.” The other retailers wrapped all their food up on their pallets, and Lanning’s was able to keep the pallets stored in their freezer or cooler.
Lanning’s also provided a truck for the American Red Cross when it passed out bags of ice during the electric outage. “This is really a good community. Everybody likes to help each other,” said Gilardi. “They support us, so we do what we can to support them.”
