PG&E Foundation contributes to local food banks during SNAP cuts
$1.12 million pledged to 50 organizations statewide
– The PG&E Corporation Foundation has announced $1.12 million in funding for local food banks, tribal food banks, and senior meal programs across Central and Northern California to help address rising food insecurity as federal assistance programs lose funding.
According to the foundation, the contributions will provide the equivalent of about 3.13 million meals for individuals and families. More than 50 organizations will receive support, including seven on the Central Coast.
The grants for Central Coast organizations total nearly $122,000. Distribution is based on county poverty and unemployment levels using a California Department of Social Services formula. Funding comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers.
The Central Coast recipients are:
- Food Bank for Monterey County, $29,500
- Meals on Wheels of Monterey Peninsula, $7,500
- Community Food Bank of San Benito County, $14,300
- Second Harvest Food Bank serving Santa Cruz, $16,500
- Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, $20,400
- Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County, also known as Meals that Connect, $7,500
- Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, $26,000
“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 of the California Association of Food Banks.
The announcement coincides with Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of hunger. According to the California Association of Food Banks, California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than one in five residents are food insecure. Communities of color face higher rates of food insecurity.
In addition to supporting local food banks, PG&E has agreements with 25 food banks in high fire-risk areas to provide food replacement during and for up to three days after Public Safety Power Shutoff events. These shutoffs may occur during dry, windy weather when PG&E turns off power to prevent wildfires.
Meals on Wheels delivers food to seniors enrolled in its program. Seniors who experience a Public Safety Power Shutoff will receive an extra meal for each day of an outage. Community Resource Centers also open during shutoffs to provide basic supplies, charging stations and information. PG&E may provide transportation support, hotel accommodations, and discounts in some areas.
