Company’s Overall COVID-19 Relief Funding Tops $470,000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 29, 2020) -- Washington Gas is donating $250,000 to select programs in the DC-area to address the growing need for immediate and long-term food security assistance for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. The donations are in addition to the COVID-19 funding previously made available by Washington Gas in the communities in which it operates.

Washington Gas’ latest round of contributions will support the resources necessary to enhance the distribution and availability of essential food for residents in communities across D.C., Maryland and Virginia through established, robust community programs designed to serve those in need in a safe, dignified and equitable manner. The funds will also be used by the regional Get Shift Done initiative that pays hospitality and restaurant workers displaced by COVID-19 closures a rate of $15.00 per hour to work at local food banks where demand has risen significantly due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

The package of gifts from Washington Gas will go towards meeting today’s immediate food insecurity needs while helping to build the infrastructure to more efficiently and effectively address the complex challenges of enabling sustained and reliable food security into the future.

“Washington Gas is proud to support efforts to address the food security issues caused by this pandemic head on. This effort will make sure nutritious food and meals are provided and more readily available for those struggling during the COVID-19 health crisis and beyond,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas.  “Our donation reflects our corporate values and ongoing commitment to support our community during these troubling times.”

Jenkins added, “We applaud our local leaders and community partners for their dedication to this critical cause, as well as the non-profit groups on the front line doing what it takes every day to tackle hunger relief. The collective effort to champion food security is helping to get food on the table for our neighbors in need during this unprecedented period in our region and the country.”

The grant, which will be managed by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, will provide direct support to the following organizations:

• Get Shift Done − a relief fund and initiative that pays service workers, who have lost their jobs at area hotels and restaurants, to support the work of non-profit food banks and other organizations focused on preparing and delivering food and meals to those in need.
• Montgomery County Food Equity Council − brings together a diverse representation of stakeholders to improve the environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health of Montgomery County, Maryland through the creation of a robust, sustainable, equitable local food system.
• Prince George’s County Food Equity Council − a local food policy council that works to help local residents access, grow, sell, and choose healthy food. As part of its COVID-19 emergency work, the Council is enlisting Prince George’s County restaurants and small businesses to help prepare and source meals, while advancing other initiatives that promote urban gardens and farming.

In addition to the role the funds will play in compensating shift workers to staff food banks, the donations will support the following activity, among others, led by non-profit organizations:

• Obtaining food through a combination of donations and purchases from wholesale providers, grocery stores, farmers, and farm hub.
• Providing prepared meals and food via local restaurants and small businesses.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and volunteers.
• Equipment, vehicles, and gas to safely store and transport food.
• Coordination among food providers to foster collaboration and innovation that will enable all partners to pursue safe and efficient methods to deepen their impact.

The contributions announced today are part of a $1 million commitment by AltaGas, the parent company of Washington Gas, to support community partners across its operating regions in North America during this public health crisis. For more information about Washington Gas’ ongoing COVID-relief donations, visit here.

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About Washington Gas

Washington Gas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd [TSX:ALA], is a regulated natural gas utility that provides safe, reliable natural gas service to more than 1.2 million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The company has been providing energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers for more than 171 years. Visit us at www.washingtongas.com and follow us on Twitter @washingtongas, LinkedIn and Facebook.