In response to rising food insecurity across West Contra Costa County, Chevron Richmond today announced a $50,000 donation to five local non-profit organizations to support food-pantry operations and meet increased demand.
Each of the following groups will receive $10,000: the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) Corrine Sain Senior & Family Community Center, the Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM), the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP), the Multicultural Institute of Richmond, and the Contra Costa College Foundation (supporting the CCC Food Pantry).
Community leaders say the funding comes at a time when shelves are emptying more quickly, especially for protein items and fresh produce. GRIP President Ralph Payton said the contribution “enables us to keep shelves stocked while demand surges and to deliver food directly to families and elders who would otherwise go without. Their support reminds our community that compassion still has corporate allies.”
The funding is also timely for the food pantry at CCC, as a recent survey found that 54 percent of students experience food insecurity, said CCC Foundation Executive Director Sara Marcellino.
“With increased support from donors and organizations like Chevron, CCC can bulk up on purchasing to provide more food access via its pantry as well as provide pop-up mutual aid giveaways starting as soon as this week,” Marcellino said.
Don Gillmore, executive director of the CHDC, said North Richmond seniors and families are among the many at risk of losing their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the government shutdown. These families face food insecurity every day, he said.
“We are thrilled to have these funds to help provide healthy meals and fresh produce Monday thru Friday through the Center’s senior lunch and food pantry programs, and to meet the needs of community members,” Gillmore said.
BARM CEO Bram Begonia and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia emphasized the importance of community support at this time, both privately and publicly sourced. With SNAP benefits paused, the East Bay Economic Development Alliance warns the region could face a large jump in food-bank demand as SNAP funding lags, calling hunger “an acute crisis.” Local foodbanks are already reporting year-over-year demand increases between 22 percent and 47 percent. Support from local businesses serve as a timely example of how private funding can complement public safety nets.
“When people come together to champion their neighbors in need, that’s when true transformation happens,” said Begonia.
Gioia said Chevron Richmond’s support aligns with the County’s action to provide grocery debit cards to families whose food. As part of that effort, the County is moving to free up $21 million in emergency funds so they can issue grocery debit cards to more than 100,000 residents eligible for CalFresh.
“The only way we can meet the food and nutrition needs of our residents is through a public-private partnership,” Gioia said.
Tolly Graves, director of Chevron Richmond, said supporting the community “is part of our company’s values.” Since 2012, Chevron Richmond has contributed over $52 million to local nonprofits.
“We are integral to this region, and our partners are just as integral to the communities they serve,” Graves said. “We are proud to invest in the impactful work they are doing.”
