With schools closed and many individuals losing their jobs, local food pantries saw a spike in demand. Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Round Up Trust recognizes that local food pantries are the lifeline for many. That’s why the Operation Round Up Trust recently donated $20,000 to area food pantries.   

Food pantries have been applying for Operation Round Up Trust grants for many years. The organization’s board of directors recognized how COVID-19 could affect families and decided to provide emergency funding. The food pantries selected for funding had previously applied and received grants from Operation Round Up Trust. Each food pantry received $2,000 to be used to purchase food.

“During these times, it is important that we all come together to meet the needs of our communities. The phrase, ‘we are in this together’ resonates stronger now more than ever,” said Amanda Steeb, director of marketing and communications for KV REMC. “While our local food pantries are meeting the needs of families, the Operation Round Up Trust is committed to helping them continue to meet theirs.” 

Sharing the same values as KV REMC, Operation Round Up Trust practices the value of Commitment to Community. The trust is funded by KV REMC member-consumers who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the next dollar each month. These donations, which average $6 per member-consumer per year, are combined with those of other member-consumers. To date, the organization has been able to give back over $1 million to non-profit organizations in the communities served by KV REMC.