As part of SoCalGas' 2023 Fueling Our Communities initiative, the company announced a $200,000 donation to the nonprofit organization Human Services Association (HSA) to provide 20,000 meals to 5,000 seniors in Southeast Los Angeles County. As part of the initiative, the nonprofit Southeast Community Development Corporation (SCDC) was also awarded $35,000 to provide 595 boxes of food to low-income seniors as well as information on SoCalGas’ Customer Assistance Programs to help save money and conserve energy.
At today’s grant announcement, SoCalGas volunteers attended a festive lunch with HSA and SCDC at the Paramount Community Center in the city of Paramount, where they helped distribute warm meals to a group of about 170 seniors.
“Human Services Association would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to SoCalGas for their generous support in providing meals to seniors. Your assistance has made a significant difference in the lives of those in our community, ensuring that our seniors have access to nutritious and warm meals. Your commitment to social responsibility is commendable, and we are thankful for your partnership in this important endeavor,” said Ricardo Mota, Chief Executive Officer at HSA.
“I appreciate SoCalGas for supporting both the Human Services Association and the Southeast Community Development Corporation and getting warm meals to thousands of low-income seniors who have had trouble affording their groceries and making ends meet. This type of ongoing generosity makes an incredible difference in our communities and in the lives of people who need some help right now,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Hahn.
The grants to HSA and SCDC are two of several donations to local charities, funding programs to provide meals and groceries this year. SoCalGas expanded the impact of the Fueling Our Communities initiative by allocating $4 million in 2023, the largest commitment to date, to new and existing partnerships with food banks and nonprofits throughout SoCalGas's twelve county service area in Central and Southern California.
“The city of Paramount hosts lunches for seniors at our community center year-round. Our seniors come together to enjoy music, socializing and warm meals thanks to partners like the Human Services Association. This partnership truly provides nourishment of the body and soul of our residents,” said City of Paramount Mayor Isabel Aguayo.
Hunger continues to be a pressing and widespread issue, with approximately 1 in 4 residents facing food insecurity, according to a USC report. HSA has been pivotal in addressing food insecurity in Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate, and Walnut Park.
"The Fueling Our Communities initiative demonstrates SoCalGas’ deep commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve," said Andy Carrasco, SoCalGas Vice President of Communications, Local Government and Community Affairs and long standing SCDC board member. "Our continued work with the Human Services Association and Southeast Community Development Corporation is an extension of an incredible partnership to provide warm meals to seniors in need."
The Fueling Our Communities initiative began in 2020 as a collaborative effort between SoCalGas and five regional nonprofits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its first summer, the program successfully provided more than 140,000 meals to 40,000 individuals from underserved communities across Southern California.
SoCalGas remains committed to supporting local communities and driving positive change. Through the Fueling Our Communities initiative and partnerships with organizations like the HSA and SCDC, SoCalGas continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by food insecurity.
For event pictures click here.
