Today, BankFive announced that it will be donating $12,000 to 12 area food pantries ahead of the holiday season as record numbers of people are facing food insecurity. Last year in Massachusetts, an estimated 34 percent of households reported food insecurity due to the rising cost of groceries, housing, and other daily necessities.
The BankFive Foundation is providing funding for the food pantries. The foundation was established in 2011 in partnership with the SouthCoast Community Foundation to bring about positive change and create a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities in need by providing financial support to the local community through grants that enrich programs and services provided by organizations that serve low- and moderate-income households.
BankFive’s internal charitable giving fund provided an additional donation to Saturday Soup Kitchen in Fall River. BankFive’s internal charitable giving fund supports and participates in local events and activities that benefit youth education, health and social services, low to moderate income citizens, business and economic development, and arts and culture in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. BankFive is incredibly proud of its role as a partner investing in its Massachusetts and Rhode Island neighborhoods.
“Every person deserves the right to a full plate and the peace of mind that comes with knowing where their next meal will come from,” said Anne P. Tangen, President and CEO of BankFive. “As the number of Massachusetts’ homes grappling with food insecurity continues to grow, we are proud that the BankFive Foundation can help ensure these vital local organizations are able to meet the increasing demand, and continue to work to reduce hunger in Southeastern Massachusetts.”
For years, BankFive has dedicated funding to local soup kitchens and food pantries during the holiday season. These donations have provided essential resources for organizations that serve as critical lifelines for individuals and families facing hardship, and serves as an example of BankFive’s steadfast commitment to investing in the communities it serves.
“As CEO of the SouthCoast Community Foundation, I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our fundholders and community partners like BankFive. Their commitment to giving reflects the heart of what makes our community extraordinary. Together, we’re impacting critical issues like food insecurity across the South Coast. Last year, 45% of adults in Bristol County experienced food insecurity, and many families in our region continue to struggle with access to nutritious food. Because of these partnerships, we can play a critical role in meeting the needs of programs that provide healthy meals, build sustainable food resources, and empower families toward greater food security.”
The following organizations received donations of $1,000 each to their food pantries:
- Salvation Army of Fall River
- Sister Rose House Soup Kitchen (New Bedford)
- M.O. Life (New Bedford)
- First Baptist Church (Fall River)
- Mercy Meals and More (New Bedford)
- The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry
- Citizens for Citizens Food Pantry (Fall River)
- East Bay Food Pantry (Rhode Island)
- Family Pantry of Cape Cod
- Solanus Casey Food Pantry (Cape Cod)
- Seven Hills Food Pantry (New Bedford)
- Saturday Soup Kitchen (Fall River)
For additional information about the Foundation please visit https://www.bankfive.com/about/community-involvement/charitable-foundation. For information on food insecurity in Southeastern Massachusetts, please contact one of the food pantries listed above.
“The MOLIFE family is honored to be selected to receive your annual holiday donation. Generous donations from our community partners like BankFive makes the work we do at MOLIFE and especially at our Food Pantry possible.” – Vanila Silva, Food Pantry Coordinator, MoLife