Local Businesses Donate $142,000 To Help Feed Those In Need

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — East Bay Community Energy has teamed up with several businesses to donate a total of $142,500 to the Alameda Community Food Bank and Meals-on-Wheels of Alameda County.

East Bay Community Energy, or EBCE, has committed to giving $1.5 million to help struggling communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Out of that money, they set aside $70,000 to help Alameda's food bank and meals-on-wheels programs.

By working with several business partners, EBCE was able to collect matching donations from Barclays, River City Bank, Schnitzer Steel and more. All together EBCE and the participating businesses are now donating $142,500 to help out.

The food bank says that's good news, because there is a critical need for supplies right now amid the coronavirus outbreak. Executive Director of Alameda County Community Food Bank Suzan Bateson says they're seeing 10 times the normal number of calls to their emergency food helpline, more than half of which are coming from homes that have never needed food support before.

“The communities impacted hardest by this emergency are those we’re already serving, including low-income workers, vulnerable seniors and families with children.," said Bateson. "We are preparing for a prolonged response and will need to rely on our partners for the duration of this crisis, and beyond. We’re extremely grateful to East Bay Community Energy and their customers who have stepped up to nourish our neighborhoods during this time of need.”

The food bank and meals on wheels are continuing to accept donations, and are encouraging anyone who can give to do so during the pandemic.

You can find more about on the Alameda County Community Food Bank here.

Donations to Meals on Wheels of Alameda County can be submitted here.