The California Association of Food Banks reported that food banks are seeing record demand, the highest levels since the pandemic. Designed by Freepik

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company is donating $1 million to food banks across Northern and Central California to help replenish supplies after the holidays and meet rising demand from families and individuals facing food insecurity.

The contribution from Pacific Gas and Electric Company will provide the equivalent of about 3 million meals and support 38 food banks serving 47 counties within PG&E’s service area.

In the North State, $82,000 will go to seven food banks serving 11 counties, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas, Sierra, Yuba and Sutter counties. Funding includes $32,930 to the Community Action Agency of Butte County, which serves Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas and Sierra counties, and $15,390 to Gleaners Food Bank Inc., which serves Yuba and Sutter counties.

Additional North State funding includes $13,590 to Dignity Health Connected Living in Shasta County, $5,550 to Great Northern Services in Siskiyou County, $5,000 to the Trinity County Food Bank, $5,000 to Tehama County Gleaners and $4,960 to the CalFL Food Bank of Northern Nevada serving Lassen County.

The donation marks the third contribution to food banks since September from PG&E or the PG&E Corporation Foundation. PG&E officials said the funding comes from shareholders, not customers.

The California Association of Food Banks reported that food banks are seeing record demand, the highest levels since the pandemic.

“California food banks experienced an unexpected surge this fall, and PG&E responded,” said Stacia Levenfeld, chief executive officer of the association. She said the $1 million contribution will help food banks continue operations during a period of increased need.

Joe Wilson, vice president for PG&E’s North Valley and Sierra Region, said the company values its partnership with food banks and the role they play in supporting families and seniors.

Earlier this year, The PG&E Corporation Foundation awarded $1.12 million in September to support local food banks, tribal food banks and senior meal programs. In November, the foundation donated $250,000 to the association’s Emergency Response Fund.

According to the association, more than one in five Californians do not know where their next meal will come from, despite the state producing nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. Grant amounts are based on county poverty and unemployment levels using a state formula intended to direct funding to areas with higher need.

The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation. PG&E provides natural gas and electric service to more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California.