Rocky Mountain Power Foundation offers support for local organizations responding to the pandemic

REXBURG, Idaho — As community organizations continue to face unprecedented challenges in providing support for those impacted by the pandemic, the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation has committed funding to local groups helping those who are struggling.

The foundation recently awarded $5,000 to The Giving Cupboard in Rigby for its mobile food pantry program, as well as providing an additional $2,000 to Ashton Senior Citizen’s Meals on Wheels program.

“Due to COVID-19, unemployment has skyrocketed, dramatically increasing hunger issues in our area,” said Kori Ellis, The Giving Cupboard vice president. “This grant allows our mobile food pantry program to reach households in need in the outlying regions of Jefferson County, where food insecurity rates are as high as 80 percent.”

From its recent funding cycle this summer, the foundation granted over 120 non-profits, education centers, critical service providers and community-based organizations $315,480. These grants prioritized support for organizations helping to manage the impact of the pandemic along with supporting education initiatives in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Earlier this spring the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation also committed $311,500 for immediate support to critical community-serving organizations.

“The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is committed to supporting vital organizations such as food banks and other critical community groups that are currently under tremendous strain,” said Tim Solomon, Rocky Mountain Power regional business manager. “We appreciate the critical work they are doing and are glad we can lend our support.”