Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced a $1 million donation to local food banks, aiming to provide meals for individuals and families in need across Northern and Central California. The contribution is expected to supply approximately 3 million meals and will benefit 38 food banks representing 47 counties within PG&E’s service area.
This marks the third donation from PG&E or The PG&E Corporation Foundation this year, bringing the total support for community food initiatives in 2025 to $2.37 million. All funds for these charitable efforts come from PG&E shareholders rather than customers.
Food banks in California have reported an unprecedented increase in demand, reaching levels not seen since the pandemic. Stacia Levenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of the California Association of Food Banks, said, “California food banks experienced an unexpected surge with the [federal government] shutdown this fall. So, we reached out for help on their behalf and PG&E responded. Their $1 million gift to food banks throughout Northern and Central California will have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people this holiday season and help food banks continue their critical work in our communities.”
Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at PG&E Corporation and Chair of The PG&E Corporation Foundation Board, stated, “We are grateful to help local food banks fulfill their mission during this time of increasing demand, especially as more families and seniors are struggling through the holiday season. Our longstanding partnership with the California Association of Food Banks supports the safety net that is our local food banks.”
Earlier in September, The PG&E Foundation awarded $1.12 million to support local food banks, tribal organizations, and senior meal programs. In November, it contributed an additional $250,000 to the California Association of Food Banks’ Emergency Response Fund.
The California Association of Food Banks reports that despite being a major producer of fruits and vegetables nationally, over one in five Californians face uncertainty about their next meal. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by higher rates of food insecurity.
Grant allocations for local organizations take into account county poverty and unemployment statistics based on guidelines from the California Department of Social Services to ensure equitable distribution among areas with greater need.
PG&E serves more than 16 million people across a 70,000-square-mile area in Northern and Central California. More information can be found at https://www.pge.com/news.
For further details about this announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pge-donates-1-million-to-local-food-banks-to-feed-families-302651003.html
