The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The PG&E Foundation) is providing $1.12 million to local food banks, tribal food banks and senior meal programs to help feed the growing number of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.
The PG&E Foundation’s recent contribution will provide the equivalent of approximately 3.13 million meals for individuals and families in need. The funding will support more than 50 food distribution organizations representing 46 counties in Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Northern and Central California service area. This includes eight organizations serving 10 counties in the North Valley:
Butte County
- Chico Area Council on Aging (Meals on Wheels) – $7,500
Butte/ Colusa/ Glenn/ Plumas/ Sierra counties
- Community Action Agency of Butte County – $64,000
Lassen County
- CalFL/Food Bank of Northern Nevada – $13,800
Shasta County
- Dignity Health Connected Living – $18,500
Siskiyou County
- Great Northern Services – $6,700
Tehama County
- Tehama County Gleaners – $19,850
Trinity County
- Trinity County Food Assistance Program – $15,000
- Trinity Food Bank (Hmong specific cultural meals)- $2,500
Officials with the California Association of Food Banks said PG&E’s support is more important than ever.
“The California Association of Food Banks is incredibly grateful for PG&E Corporation’s ongoing partnership in our mission to end hunger in California. This support is especially vital during these uncertain times, with federal cuts to SNAP (CalFresh) at the same time Medicaid and other crucial programs’ funding is being reduced. Families will look to food banks as a source of relief to ensure they don’t go without essential nourishment,” said Stacia Levenfeld, CEO California Association of Food Banks.
“An increasing number of families today are struggling to put food on their tables, and we are grateful to be able to help,” said Joe Wilson, vice president of PG&E’s North Valley & Sierra Region. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with local food banks and meal distribution organization. These community-based groups are a critical safety net for families, the elderly, and so many others in helping to ensure they are fed and can lead healthy lives.”
Grant amounts consider county poverty and unemployment levels, using the California Department of Social Services’ formula, to promote equity among counties with higher need. Funding comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers.
Supporting Emergency Preparedness
In addition to the support for local food banks throughout PG&E’s service area, the company has agreements with 25 local food banks in high fire-risk areas to provide food replacement during and up to three days after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). These PSPS events may be called when dry, windy weather is forecast, and PG&E may need to turn off power in certain areas to prevent wildfires and keep customers safe.
You can find a food bank in your county here. Check with your local food bank to learn if they have income restrictions. Food is available while supplies last.
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors enrolled in the program. Seniors who are enrolled and experience a PSPS will receive an extra meal for each day of a PSPS outage. You can enroll in Meals on Wheels in your area.
PG&E also opens Community Resource Centers during PSPS events to provide basic supplies, charging stations and information to customers. Transportation support, hotel accommodations and discounts may also be available. You can learn more here and sign up for outage alerts.
