Piedmont Natural Gas awards nearly $60,000 in grants to combat hunger, housing insecurity in the Charlotte region

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - As part of its efforts to power the vitality of the communities it serves, Piedmont Natural Gas, through the Duke Energy Foundation, has awarded nearly $60,000 in grants to support the missions of three organizations combating hunger and housing insecurity in Charlotte and the surrounding area.

By the numbers:

• Nourish Up has been awarded a $20,000 grant to expand the reach of its network of food pantries and grocery delivery program, helping families access meals during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. The grant will allow Nourish Up to purchase approximately 80,000 pounds of food, reaching an estimated 4,000 families, or 12,000 residents, across Mecklenburg County.
  
• Feeding Charlotte's $19,000 grant will help the organization expand its Food Rescue Program in Mecklenburg, Gaston and Cabarrus counties. The Food Rescue Program redirects surplus food from professional kitchens and delivers them to nonprofit feeding programs in the community.
  
• Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will receive a $20,000 grant to support affordable homeownership, home repairs and neighborhood revitalization efforts that help families remain safely housed and achieve long-term housing stability in southeastern Mecklenburg County, including Matthews, Mint Hill and Stallings.

Our view:

Emily Henson, President of Piedmont Natural Gas: "No one, whether they're a child or an adult, should have to worry about where their next meal will come from or if they'll have a safe, stable roof over their head. When people's basic needs are met, our communities become stronger. Piedmont is honored to help these three organizations provide greater opportunities to those in need."

Positive response:

Tina Postel, Nourish Up CEO: "Piedmont Natural Gas has been an exceptional partner to Nourish Up, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our community. This generous investment helps us reach thousands of families with healthy, nutritious food during one of the most challenging times of the year. Partnerships like this don't just fill pantries and deliver meals - they strengthen families and build a healthier, more resilient Charlotte."

Richard Armenia, Feeding Charlotte Executive Director: "The funding that Piedmont Natural Gas has provided to Feeding Charlotte allows us to carry out our mission to its fullest. Our relationship with Piedmont is one we're extremely proud of. This grant further deepens an already strong partnership and allows us to continue serving the most vulnerable in our community."

Natisha Rivera, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity President & CEO: "We are incredibly grateful to Piedmont Natural Gas and the Duke Energy Foundation for their continued investment in our community and in the families we serve. Strong communities are built through strong partnerships, and this grant will help Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity expand affordable homeownership opportunities, critical home repairs and neighborhood revitalization efforts that allow families to remain safely housed and achieve long-term stability. Together, we are creating stronger neighborhoods, empowering families and building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, distributes natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. More information: piedmontng.com. Follow Piedmont Natural Gas: Facebook.

Media contact: Jason Wheatley
Media line: 877.348.3612
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