National Grid Foundation Helps Food Bank of Central New York Provide Food Security to the Region
Friday, February 19, 2021
Syracuse, NY, February 19, 2021 - Food Bank of Central New York announced today a $25,000 donation from the National Grid Foundation that will provide nutritious food to the region’s emergency food network totaling 75,000 meals. This is the second investment in 2020 from the National Grid Foundation that has helped increase accessibility to healthy food in central and northern New York through the Food Bank.
“Since March 2020, the Food Bank of Central New York has distributed 40 percent more food to meet the increased demand throughout the emergency food network,” said Karen Belcher, Executive Director at Food Bank of Central New York. “Support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, like the National Grid Foundation, are key to the Food Bank’s mission. This generous gift will help ensure healthy foods are available to children, families, and seniors struggling with hunger.”
The National Grid Foundation kicked off 2021 helping neighbors with food access, human services and emergency heating fund support assisting local communities impacted by COVID-19. With a $1.5 million donation, more than 50 non-profit organizations across New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will aid thousands of individuals with basic human needs, hunger relief, and address fuel-neutral winter energy costs. During 2020, the National Grid Foundation Board of Directors approved a total of $2 million in COVID-support funding to assist communities in need, including the currently announced gift.
“We are pleased to be able to support so many local organizations and hope our donation to the Food Bank of Central New York will provide some relief to those in need during this unprecedented situation,” said Edward White, Executive Director, National Grid Foundation. “We have a long history of serving as a community partner and understand the critical work these local organizations do. We are grateful to have them delivering much-needed services at this difficult time.”
For more information about this gift and the work of the Food Bank, please contact Lynn Hy, Chief Development Officer, at lhy@foodbankcny.org or (315) 437-1899 ext. 247. To see a complete list of community organizations receiving funding from the National Grid Foundation, visit: Covid Flyer 2021.
About Food Bank of Central New York
Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education, and advocacy in cooperation with the community. We are the primary food supplier for more than 350 emergency food assistance programs in eleven counties of New York State, distributing 20,401,802 pounds of food last year. Food Bank of Central New York is a member of Feeding America. Visit foodbankcny.org for more information on the agency and its programs.
About National Grid Foundation
National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life across its grant making territory. The Foundation’s ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December of 1998, the Foundation now in its 21st year has granted more than $27million to local community organizations.
