National Grid is joining forces with local food banks and pantries across New York and to help combat food insecurity for families facing economic challenges as demand for assistance continues to rise. The company is contributing $275,000 in funding to support local food organizations that will provide essential food assistance to those in need.

As the need for food assistance surges and states expand efforts to fill the gap to help families in need, National Grid’s contribution will enable these vital community organizations to purchase more food and keep pantry shelves stocked. This support comes at a critical time as families navigate economic hardships.

“Families in our communities need our help more than ever,” said Komie Jain, Global Head Social Impact and Community Engagement. “We are grateful to work with our local community partners to help provide food for those in need. This is one of the many ways National Grid’s social impact initiatives provide essential support in the communities we serve where it is needed most.”

Locally, National Grid funding will support United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and FeedMore WNY. Other organizations across New York State that will receive funding include: Food Bank of Central New York, Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, Regional Food Bank, UA3, , United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Campaign Against Hunger.

“We know that 42% of people in Buffalo & Erie County face financial hardship and struggle to afford necessities like food,” said Trina Burruss, President and CEO, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “The grants that National Grid is deploying across the state will help many people get the assistance they need during these trying times. We are grateful to National Grid for supporting the United Way’s Community Resilience Fund, which allows us to continue to address urgent community needs in times of crisis.”

“FeedMore WNY works with more than 400 partner agencies around Western New York to provide nutritional assistance to seniors, veterans, children, and families in need around our community. This support from National Grid is a huge help to our network, and will help FeedMore and our partners put food on the table for more families across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties,” said Tara A. Ellis, FeedMore WNY President & CEO.

In addition to financial support, National Grid employees will volunteer to assist with food distributions during the holiday season as part of the company’s annual Grid for Good Season of Giving initiative, furthering the company’s commitment to social impact and community engagement. This program, dedicated to making a positive difference in the local communities, is guided by three pillars – increasing access to affordable energy, developing the energy workforce and supporting community resilience.