SoCalGas recently announced a $250,000 donation to Family Service Association (FSA) as part of the company’s $4 million dollar “Fueling Our Communities” initiative. A check presentation ceremony was held at the Eddie Dee Smith Senior Center in the City of Jurupa Valley to commemorate this significant contribution and celebrate.
Seen Above Left to Right: Gloria Weyer, SoCalGas Riverside Base; Nick Benites, SoCalGas Riverside Base; Valerie Tapia SoCalGas Corona Base; Jaime Gonzalez SoCalGas Riverside Base; Lea Petersen SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager; Dr. Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, FSA Executive Director; CA Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes; Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel; CA Senator Richard Roth
The $250,000 donation aims to combat food insecurity among seniors and low-income families to ensure that nutritious meals are provided in Riverside and San Bernardino County. A total of $150,000 is being allocated to Riverside County and the remaining $100,000 to San Bernardino County services.
Several key elected officials spoke during the August 3rd Check Presentation, including: Senator Richard Roth, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, Supervisor Karen Spiegel, and City of Jurupa Councilmember Leslie Altamirano. “Food insecurity is a serious problem in Riverside County. According to the USDA, 1 in 5 households in Riverside County do not have access to enough affordable, nutritious food”, said Assemblymember Cervantes.
"We are thrilled to partner with Family Service Association and contribute to their nutrition program," said Lea Petersen, Public Affairs Manager for SoCalGas. "Our donation reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of seniors and families in the communities we serve. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact to address food insecurity and ensure that seniors and hard-working families have access to nutritious meals."
“No older adult or hard-working family should have to choose between paying their monthly bills or food”, said Dr. Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, CEO of Family Service Association. “We are grateful that SoCalGas saw a tangible need in our communities and sprang into action to take care of our valued community members.”
Senator Roth thanked Family Service Association for its proactive role in addressing unmet needs in throughout the region. “I’ve been fortunate to work closely with FSA for several decades now. For 70 years now, they have empowered families and seniors to live their best life”.
With nearly 100 seniors in attendance, Supervisor Spiegel thanked participants for their role in shaping the community. “The work you did, both inside or outside of your home, was important work that paved the way for a stronger region.”
Volunteers from SoCalGas helped FSA’s Senior Nutrition Team by serving meals and root beer floats to attendees. This event brought members from all backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy a meal together. We are grateful to SoCalGas for their investment in Family Service Association, and the children, families, and seniors who we serve.
FSA provides daily congregate and home-delivered meals to older adults, at no-cost, throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to the children enrolled in its ten Child Development Centers. With the assistance of SoCalGas, FSA will expand its reach and provide nourishing meals to an even greater number of seniors and families facing food insecurity. FSA is projected to serve over 1 million meals in the Inland Empire this year!
