Westmoreland County Food Bank receives $10,000 grant

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation recently awarded the Westmoreland County Food Bank a $10,000 grant for its weekend Backpack Program to supply children of low-income homes with meals for every weekend during the school year.

Through the program, meal kits containing a two-day supply of food containing breakfasts, healthy snacks, entrees and milk are distributed to participants at the end of each week.

Thanks to funding from Dominion Energy and a variety of other donors, the program in 2017-18 will serve five Westmoreland County schools: Ramsey Elementary, Monessen Elementary, H.W. Good Elementary, Derry Middle and Westmoreland Career and Technical Center.

“We are so grateful for the on-going support from The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation,” stated Food Bank Chief Executive Officer, Kris M. Douglas.  “Without their support and dedication the Backpack Program would struggle to meet the needs of the families who need this integral program.”

“While many of us look forward to the new year, we recognize that many people in our communities struggle to afford the basics needed for a secure, healthy and productive life,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “These grants will help fill critical needs for nutritious food, safe shelter and the medical care essential for a better future.”

This is the fourth year of Dominion Energy’s support for the Westmoreland County Food Bank. For more information about the Westmoreland County Food Bank and their Weekend Backpack Program, visit their website at westmorelandfoodbank.org, or contact the Director of Programs, Michelle Heller at 724-468-8660, extension 25.

Dominion Energy and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation presented the Food Bank with a $10,000 Grant to support the Weekend Backpack Program to supply children and low-income homes with meals for every weekend during the school year. Pictured are Bill Murphy of Dominion Energy & Kris Douglas, WCFB CEO.

About Westmoreland County Food Bank

The Westmoreland County Food Bank serves over 31,000 area residents each year including 9,300 children and 3,410 seniors. WCFB currently has 60 member agencies in their network of emergency feeding sites.  Of those, 43 are food pantries in which low income consumers are able to access emergency food assistance throughout the month. Last year (2017), the Food Bank distributed over 9 million pounds of food.

50% of WCFB’s food comes from the federal and state governments and the remaining 50% from local donations, food drives, and Feeding America.  Administrative and fundraising costs account for 5% of the Food Bank’s operating budget. 

About Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, Va., is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education and encourage community vitality. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.dominionenergy.com