While the Food Bank is best known for distributing groceries to struggling families, its wide community reach makes it an effective partner for emergency education efforts. With this grant, the nonprofit plans to provide residents with information on defensible space, evacuation readiness, and wildfire safety resources alongside food distributions.
“This program has remained steadfast — reaching communities year after year to ensure they’re prepared for wildfire,” said Angie Carmignani, executive director of the California Fire Foundation.
The program is funded entirely by PG&E shareholders, not ratepayers. Local organizations receiving funding this year also include the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, which was awarded $15,000 for vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction.
The grant comes as El Dorado County braces for another fire season amid ongoing drought and rising wildfire risks. Officials emphasize that engaging underserved communities — including seniors, veterans, and low-income households — is critical to building countywide resilience.