PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation have announced a $1.5 million grant initiative to support more than 25 local organizations that assist households experiencing economic hardship. The Community Relief Initiative, which will last for one year, was launched at the organizations’ first nonprofit partner conference on December 9. The event gathered over 135 community leaders to discuss collaboration and share insights for increasing local impact.
The initiative’s approach includes funding for Shares Nation (formerly NJ Shares) to provide energy assistance and housing relief. It also supports partner organizations of Shares Nation and several large-scale food banks, aiming to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits and ensure continuity of essential services during difficult times. The investment is intended to help these organizations make a long-term impact at both state and community levels.
Calvin Ledford Jr., president of the PSEG Foundation and director of corporate social responsibility, said, “At PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation, we believe true community support goes beyond providing safe and reliable energy — it’s about building strong partnerships with organizations that understand local needs. During times of economic challenges and hardship, these collaborations allow us to deliver meaningful solutions that directly benefit families across New Jersey. We are deeply grateful for each of our partners and for the impact these initiatives will have in helping local communities access the critical resources needed to stay safe, healthy, and secure.”
Cheryl B. Stowell, CEO of SHARES Nation, expressed appreciation for the donation: “On behalf of the Board and staff at SHARES, I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation for their generous donation to and continuing support of our mission to Offer Hope and Deliver Help. Given the economic hardships that the people of New Jersey are facing, the PSEG Foundation support will help strengthen our capacity to assist those most vulnerable. The Foundation’s generosity will help ensure the continued partnership with our community-based agencies thereby enhancing our mission and our wholistic approach for essential services for those most in need.”
Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), noted how timely this support is: “We are deeply grateful to the PSEG Foundation for its extraordinary support, which comes at a time when so many New Jersey families are feeling the strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty. This additional funding will allow CFBNJ to strengthen our emergency hunger-relief efforts and ensure that our neighbors continue to have reliable access to nutritious food and essential resources. PSEG’s partnership reflects a deep commitment to our communities, especially during the holiday season, and we are honored to work alongside them to help New Jersey families during this challenging time.”
Fred Wasiak, president & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, said: “We deeply value the PSEG Foundation’s commitment to helping our communities navigate challenging times. Their generous support comes at a crucial moment for South Jersey families, strengthening our ability to meet growing demand while ensuring dependable access to nutritious food and essential resources. Thanks to our generous partners, we’re able to purchase and distribute more fresh produce and pantry staples for thousands of neighbors across the region.”
Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank, added: “On behalf of the 240,000 people we serve who face food insecurity and uncertainty of when their next meal will come, we are incredibly grateful to direct the PSEG Foundation grant to our Hunger Relief Action Fund. The strong, long-term partnership we have with PSEG Long Island and the PSEG Foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Long Islanders. PSEG’s commitment to improving the quality of life and providing critical resources for our neighbors in need, especially during these difficult times, is truly commendable and heartwarming.”
Vesta Goodwin Clark, Executive Director at St. James Social Service Corporation commented: “This generous grant from the PSEG Foundation is a critical lifeline for the St. James Social Service Corporation food program, as we come to the end of the year, when resources and funding are low. This grant will help ensure we can continue to provide food through our Emergency Food Pantry and Soulfood Cafe soup kitchen to those most vulnerable. We are grateful for this collaborative partnership with PSEG to help build a stronger, more food secure New Jersey.”
