PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation Launch $1.5M Community Relief Initiative

On Dec 9, 2025

PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation announced $1.5 million in grants to over 25 local organizations that provide critical assistance to households facing economic hardship. The initiative was unveiled alongside PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation’s inaugural nonprofit partner conference on Dec. 9 which brought together more than 135 community leaders to strengthen collaboration and share practical insights that advance local impact.

The Community Relief Initiative is a one-year initiative that aims to provide critical support through a multifaceted approach that includes funding to Shares Nation (formerly NJ Shares) for energy assistance and housing relief, as well as partner organizations of Shares Nation and several food banks that are designed and equipped to operate on a wide scale, as the backbone of the community food assistance system. This investment aims to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofits and ensure continuity of essential services, providing food banks with the support needed during these challenging times. This initiative also aims to advance the long-term impact of these organizations at both the state and community levels.

“At PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation, we believe true community support goes beyond providing safe and reliable energy — it’s about building strong partnerships with organizations that understand local needs,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., president, PSEG Foundation and director corporate social responsibility. “During times of economic challenges and hardship, these collaborations allow us to deliver meaningful solutions that directly benefit families across New Jersey. We are deeply grateful for each of our partners and for the impact these initiatives will have in helping local communities access the critical resources needed to stay safe, healthy, and secure.”

“On behalf of the Board and staff at SHARES, I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to PSE&G and the PSEG Foundation for their generous donation to and continuing support of our mission to Offer Hope and Deliver Help,” said Cheryl B. Stowell, CEO of SHARES Nation. “Given the economic hardships that the people of New Jersey are facing, the PSEG Foundation support will help strengthen our capacity to assist those most vulnerable. The Foundation’s generosity will help ensure the continued partnership with our community-based agencies thereby enhancing our mission and our wholistic approach for essential services for those most in need.”

“We are deeply grateful to the PSEG Foundation for its extraordinary support, which comes at a time when so many New Jersey families are feeling the strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ). “This additional funding will allow CFBNJ to strengthen our emergency hunger-relief efforts and ensure that our neighbors continue to have reliable access to nutritious food and essential resources.  PSEG’s partnership reflects a deep commitment to our communities, especially during the holiday season, and we are honored to work alongside them to help New Jersey families during this challenging time.”

“We deeply value the PSEG Foundation’s commitment to helping our communities navigate challenging times,” said Fred Wasiak, president & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. “Their generous support comes at a crucial moment for South Jersey families, strengthening our ability to meet growing demand while ensuring dependable access to nutritious food and essential resources. Thanks to our generous partners, we’re able to purchase and distribute more fresh produce and pantry staples for thousands of neighbors across the region.”

“On behalf of the 240,000 people we serve who face food insecurity and uncertainty of when their next meal will come, we are incredibly grateful to direct the PSEG Foundation grant to our Hunger Relief Action Fund,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank. “The strong, long-term partnership we have with PSEG Long Island and the PSEG Foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Long Islanders. PSEG’s commitment to improving the quality of life and providing critical resources for our neighbors in need, especially during these difficult times, is truly commendable and heartwarming.”

“This generous grant from the PSEG Foundation is a critical lifeline for the St. James Social Service Corporation food program, as we come to the end of the year, when resources and funding are low,” said Vesta Goodwin Clark, Executive Director, St. James Social Service Corporation. “This grant will help ensure we can continue to provide food through our Emergency Food Pantry and Soulfood Cafe soup kitchen to those most vulnerable. We are grateful for this collaborative partnership with PSEG to help build a stronger, more food secure New Jersey.”

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