CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Southface announced a $615,000 grant to pilot the Nonprofit Energy and Water Efficiency (NEWE) Initiative at Feeding America food banks. Funded by The JPB Foundation, the NEWE Initiative will be piloted over three years, and will help to develop a sustainable energy and water efficiency program for nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the value of investing in energy, water and resource efficiency. The ultimate goal is to provide nonprofits a path to reduce annual utility costs so that those saved dollars may be redirected to their mission.
"More than 42 million people struggle with hunger in America, including 13 million children. We are thankful to Southface for its partnership, which provides long-term operations benefits for our food banks," said Nancy Curby, interim senior vice president of development at Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief organization. "Every dollar a food bank saves on utility costs becomes a dollar that helps to serve more families who face hunger."
"Nonprofits are good targets for efficiency programs as they are under pressure to reduce expenses and often occupy inefficient buildings that needlessly waste energy, water and other resources," said Chandra Farley, NEWE Initiative program manager at Southface. "Through the NEWE Initiative, Feeding America food banks, Boys & Girls Clubs and other national nonprofits will be able to free both revenue and time resources and redirect them back to their core mission."
Currently, three food banks are participating in the first year of the Feeding America pilot – West Alabama Food Bank (Tuscaloosa), East Texas Food Bank (Tyler) and St. Louis Area Foodbank. Projected annual savings total $29,000. The West Alabama Food Bank realized more than 11 percent in energy savings after just five months, while significantly improving lighting quality. More food banks will be invited to participate and build on these savings in early 2017.
The Feeding America network of 200 food banks, which serve 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, responds to the hunger crisis in America by providing food to people in need. It provides more food to children, families and seniors than any other charitable organization: more than 4 billion meals in 2016.
To learn more about the Nonprofit Energy and Water Efficiency Initiative, visit: newinitiative.southface.org
About Southface
Southface inspires market-based solutions at the nexus of the natural, social and built environments. Since 1978 Southface has served as the Southeast's nonprofit leader in promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Learn more at www.southface.org.
About The JPB Foundation
The JPB Foundation works to enhance the quality of life in the United States through transformational initiatives that promote the health of our communities by creating opportunities for those in poverty, promoting pioneering medical research, and enriching and sustaining our environment. http://jpbfoundation.org.
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Contact:
Ross Fraser
312.641.6422
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SOURCE Feeding America
