Representative from SoCalGas and Central California Food Bank pose with Congressman Jim Costa during Friday's presentation ceremony. Photo contributed

The Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced Friday a $200,000 community investment grant aimed at sustaining and enhancing selected Central California Food Bank School Pantry, Neighborhood Markets and Farmworker Community Program distribution sites in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The donation from SoCalGas/ Fueling Our Communities initiative will go to support an estimated 7,500 individuals by helping to stock pantries and distribution points in Selma, Orange Cove, Pixley, Dinuba, Richgrove, Porterville, Visalia, Corcoran and Lemoore.

“The investments made through Fueling Our Communities demonstrate SoCalGas’ commitment to empowering and investing in the communities across our service areas,” said SoCalGas Vice President Andy Carrasco “SoCalGas values its partnership with the Central California Food Bank, as we work together to reduce food insecurity and provide healthy food to families in need.”

Central California Food Bank is one of several organizations selected from SoCalGas’ 12-county service area to receive funding to provide free meals and groceries to low-income families and seniors in need of food support.

Residents of Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties suffer some of the highest poverty and hunger rates in California. This investment will serve 4,590 Tulare County residents, along with 1,020 Kings County and 1,530 Fresno County residents each month through the remainder of the year.

“Through this incredible leadership gift, SoCalGas is helping provide culturally appropriate food and increased access to rural and remote communities,” said Central California Food Bank co-CEO Kym Dildine. “We are grateful for this support and look forward to continuing this partnership to positively impact neighbors experiencing hunger.”

Starting in 2020, the Fueling Our Communities initiative works as a collaboration between SoCalGas and five California nonprofits to provide free meals to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.