Avista Foundation provides funding to food banks, United Way

Responding to an overwhelming need during the coronavirus pandemic, Avista Foundation has provided funding to local food banks and the United Way outside of its normal funding cycle.

Like the money the foundation provided in late March, the funding’s use is flexible to allow organizations to direct it to the greatest need. The donations include $129,000 to area United Way agencies and $100,000 to 45 food pantries throughout Avista’s service territory.

“Under these extraordinary circumstances, as we’re hearing about some of these needs, we’re trying to be responsive,” said Kristine Meyer, Avista Foundation executive director. “We know that there are a lot of folks for which the stimulus checks from the government just aren’t enough to make ends meet, and so the demand in our local food pantries is unprecedented.”

Kathy Hedgcock, Second Harvest senior vice president of philanthropy, said Saturday the nonprofit operated a drive-thru food bank and served close to 700 families, even though it normally distributes to all of the area food banks. Second Harvest received $16,000 from Avista Foundation.

“There’s an unimaginable need right now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hedgcock said. “Food banks really are on the front lines. This donation will tremendously boost our efforts to get food to where it’s needed most.”

Meyer said Avista Foundation gave funds to the United Way because of the pressure the pandemic is putting on families and exacerbating domestic violence.

“We do have that awareness that under these times when families and households are under unusual stress levels, that that’s something that could be predictably on the rise,” Meyer said.

Avista Foundation still will award funding for its normal grant cycle. As planned, the second cycle will focus on youth and education.

“We think that that will be timely as the economy begins to reopen,” Meyer said. “It will give us opportunities to make grants to those organizations that are serving families with child care, summer opportunities and perhaps some of the things that are changing within the landscape of our education system.”

The Avista Foundation, the charitable arm of Avista Corp., funds community nonprofit organizations throughout the utility’s service area. It focuses its giving in areas of education, vulnerable and limited-income populations, and economic and cultural vitality.

The Avista Foundation is a separate, nonprofit organization established by Avista Corp. The foundation does not receive funding from revenue generated from ratepayers.