Local food pantry receives donation from Oncor

Oncor recently announced $1.7 million in donations to community non-profit organizations across their service territory that serve those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will be focused on first responders, health care professionals, and vulnerable or heavily impacted populations, such as seniors, children, homeless, and low-income or displaced workers and families.

All of Oncor’s Area Managers across Texas identified more than 70 organizations to receive funding, including food pantries, social service agencies, education, and health and wellness groups.

On Mon., June 1, Oncor area manager Ignacio Vazquez met with Janice Hughes and Billy Beaver from the Fishes and Loaves food pantry in Groesbeck to deliver a $2000 donation.

“I know that in many of the communities we serve, this health crisis has disrupted lives in ways that have long-term devastating effects, but together we will overcome this crisis,” stated Vazquez. “Locally, we are joining the efforts with Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry and Caritas of Mexia to get our communities back on track.”

Oncor CEO Allen Nye said, “For more than 100 years, Oncor has upheld our commitment of serving and supporting Texas communities. And while we know firsthand how resilient these communities are, we also recognize the unparalleled impact of this pandemic and the challenges our communities and nonprofit partners are now facing. We are honored to do our part in helping to meet these needs through the donations announced today.”

“Regardless of the challenges we may face, the men and women at Oncor know that we are stronger together,” Nye continued. “We want the many communities we serve to know that this commitment of togetherness extends to each of them as we continue to uphold our vital role of powering Texas communities.”

A significant portion of Oncor’s support will be through participation in North Texas Cares, a funder collaborative made up of North Texas foundations and United Ways that have come together to provide support for organizations that work with people and communities who may be most negatively affected by COVID-19. Other recipients include Paul Quinn College, the Tarrant County Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank, and additional local nonprofit organizations across Oncor’s service territory in West, Central, and East Texas. The commitment includes $500,000 from Sempra Energy, Oncor’s indirect majority owner, through the Nonprofit Hardship Fund from the Sempra Energy Foundation.

“Now, more than ever before, nonprofit organizations are on the frontlines of supporting individuals affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis, and financial support —from partners like Oncor— is critical to response and recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Sampson, CEO of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, one of the founding members of North Texas Cares. “This generous gift symbolizes the spirit of giving that is synonymous with Texas. We are grateful that Oncor has stepped in to help galvanize United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ —alongside United Way Chapters across the Lone Star State— rapid response to this crisis.”

As well as the Oncor donation local community members have really come together to help during this crisis with many perishable and monetary donations to make sure those in need had the assistance.

“We have been blessed considering how bad it could be during this pandemic,” stated Fishes and Loaves pantry director Janice Hughes.

Fishes and Loaves food pantry is located at 310 W Navasota St. There is a dropbox or anyone wanting to donate perishable to the cause.

If you are interested in receiving from the food pantry or for more information, please contact Janice Hughes at (903) 388-5890.