Benton REA Donates $20K to Local Food Banks

Twenty thousand dollars is feeding local families thanks to Benton REA and matching funds from CoBank, one of the utility’s lenders.

Benton REA received a $10,000 matching grant from the CoBank Sharing Success program. Together, the $20,000 donation will help families through three organizations within the Benton REA member service area, based on the number of co-op members in each region.

Twelve thousand dollars went to the Tri-City Food Bank in West Richland and Benton City, $4,000 to Jubilee Ministries’ Food Bank in Prosser and $4,000 to Sunrise Outreach Food Banks serving Mabton and Sunnyside.

CoBank’s Sharing Success program doubles the contributions of its customers to the charitable organizations and causes they care about most.

“We investigated the specific needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Benton REA General Manager Mike Bradshaw. “We want to spread the donation throughout our service area, so it benefits a wide range of our members and the communities in which they live.”

Howard Rickard, board president of the Tri-Cities Food Bank says the timing of the donation was perfect.

“The next wave of people is coming-those who’ve never been to the food bank before,” Rickard says.

David Hanson, executive director, and Ken Trainor, director of operations for Sunrise Outreach food banks accept a check for $4,000 from Benton REA Board President Mike Freepons

For all five food banks in the Sunrise Outreach network, Executive Director David Hanson says they are two times busier than usual this time of year.

“Words fall short in the appreciation department,” says Hanson, “But we say, ‘Thank you’.”

In a post on Facebook, Jubilee Ministries of Sunnyside says, “Thank you to not only Benton REA but other companies, organizations and individuals who have come alongside us during this time.”

Benton REA Board President Mike Freepons presented the checks to each food bank.

“We are a member-owned co-op guided by seven cooperative principles,” Freepons says. “One of those principles is concern for community. We care about our communities and are pleased to support our local food banks with this donation.”

Jubilee Ministries Food Bank volunteers accept a check for $4,000 from Benton REA Board President Mike Freepons

Benton REA recognizes that food isn’t the only need for struggling families right now. Members with overdue utility bills are encouraged to call the cooperative at 509-786-2913. Benton REA employees can help you setup a payment plan and point you to organizations offering financial assistance for utility payments. The co-op also offers a low-income, senior or disabled discount. Visit BentonREA.org/Energy-Assistance for more information.

CoBank is one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy. With more than $125 billion in assets, the bank delivers loans, leases and other financial services to agribusiness, rural infrastructure and Farm Credit customers in all 50 states. CoBank’s customers form the backbone of the economy in rural America. They include agribusiness, power, water and telecommunications.