Earthrise Energy Awards RISE Grant to Gibson Area Food Pantry to Help Fight Hunger

Earthrise Energy, a local independent power producer, recently awarded the Gibson Area Food Pantry a $10,000 RISE Grant to help put food on the table for a growing number of families struggling with food insecurity.

Earthrise Energy launched its RISE Grant program to help fund local initiatives that promote excellence in education, protect the environment, and support the communities where Earthrise Energy has operations. This is the third year the Gibson Area Food Pantry has received a RISE Grant to help address food insecurity in the region.

“Food pantries, like the Gibson Area Food Pantry, work at the frontlines of our communities and offer a critical lifeline for those struggling and in need,” said Ellie Ginis, Project Developer at Earthrise Energy. “We are honored to support their efforts and commend the volunteers who make that possible.”

Rising food and housing prices are straining families’ budgets and forcing many to turn to food banks for help. As a result, the Gibson Area Food Pantry has seen a 53% increase in families needing assistance during the past three years.

“Our pantry is unique because we serve anyone who needs food without question. This is only possible in a community with notable corporations such as Earthrise Energy, which believes in supporting local communities where they operate,” said Rick Ertel, President of Gibson Area Food Pantry.

Serving nearly 400 families in need each month, the Gibson Area Food Pantry provides food supplies and other items to residents of Ford County, the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district, and neighboring counties.

“For individuals and families struggling to get by and living paycheck-to-paycheck, the Gibson Area Food Pantry serves more than nutritious food. They offer hope,” said Emre Ozmen, Director of Development at Earthrise Energy.

Earthrise Energy owns and operates five natural gas plants in Illinois, including the Gibson City Energy Center in Gibson City, the Shelby County Energy Center in Neoga, and the Tilton Energy power plant. It is also building more than 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy in Illinois to support the clean energy transition.

Learn more about the Gibson Area Food Pantry at: gibsonareafoodpantry.org.