Nicor Gas commits to help 250,000 families meet their basic needs
Nicor Gas, serving 2.2 million customers in Northern Illinois, has announced initiatives to assist 250,000 families living at or below the federal poverty line, exacerbated by COVID-19. The company partners with organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Food Depository to combat food insecurity, which has surged by 62% in the area. Additionally, Nicor Gas provided care packages to over 2,000 customers and offers energy assistance programs. These efforts aim to alleviate financial burdens during challenging economic times.
- Partnerships with organizations to tackle food insecurity in Northern Illinois.
- Provided care packages to over 2,000 customers, aiding their basic needs.
- Offers financial assistance programs and flexible payment plans for customers affected by the pandemic.
- Food insecurity rates in Northern Illinois increased by 62%, indicating a worsening socioeconomic situation.
NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicor Gas serves millions of families and individuals in Illinois, where nearly
"Due to the pandemic and the colder temperatures, more families are at home and using more heat. Some people are making tough choices about which bills to pay," said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. "We're committed to helping our customers address these and other insecurities due to the loss of income during challenging times."
To ensure its efforts align with the needs of the community, Nicor Gas is partnering with several charitable organizations. Among them are the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Operation Warm, People's Resource Center, PADS organizations and many more.
"Nobody should have to choose between warming their home and having enough food for their family to eat, but those are the kind of choices that many are forced to make. Nicor Gas' community partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank over many years — especially during this time of crisis and elevated need for food assistance — makes a tremendous difference for those we serve together," said Jeannine Kannegiesser, director of corporate and foundation giving at Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Feeding America's latest research shows that the general food insecurity rate in northern Illinois has increased by
"Never in our 41-year history as an organization have we seen such an increase in the number of people seeking food assistance," said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "We're so grateful for the support of corporate partners like Nicor Gas to help us meet the immense need."
Also, this year, in partnership with Shipt and vendor partners Richards Graphics and T. Castro Produce, Nicor Gas provided food and essential goods care packages to more than 2,000 Nicor Gas customers. The care packages included a mix of food staples such as dried beans, rice, cereal, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, bread, lunch meat, soap and toilet paper — delivered directly to their homes.
In addition, Nicor Gas has energy assistance resources and financial assistance for those affected by the ongoing pandemic, including flexible payment plans and energy-saving information to help customers manage expenses.
"We understand that providing safe, reliable and affordable energy also meets a basic need, and delivering that energy to our customers is a charge we approach determinedly as top priority," Hudson said.
To learn more about energy assistance options, visit: nicorgas.com/energyassistance.
For food resources including mobile pantries and pop-up events, visit the Northern Illinois Food Bank at solvehungertoday.org and the Greater Chicago Food Depository at chicagosfoodbank.org.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 700,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nicor-gas-commits-to-help-250-000-families-meet-their-basic-needs-301245924.html
SOURCE Nicor Gas
FAQ
What initiatives has Nicor Gas announced to support families in need?
How has food insecurity changed in Northern Illinois according to Nicor Gas?
What is Nicor Gas doing to help customers affected by COVID-19?
What organizations is Nicor Gas partnering with for community support?
How many customers does Nicor Gas serve in Northern Illinois?
