Cumming, GA – The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation (Sawnee Foundation), the charitable arm of Sawnee EMC, announced today that it will begin providing up to $200,000 in additional financial support to local food banks in need.

In the wake of the U.S. Government shutdown, which has resulted in the partial suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food banks may soon see a substantial increase in the demand for their services.

The Sawnee Foundation has been providing charitable funds to the communities within Sawnee EMC’s service area since 2003.  With the partial suspension of SNAP benefits, affecting thousands of families, local food banks have reported an increased need for emergency financial assistance and food resources.

In response, the Sawnee Foundation Board of Trustees has approved an enhanced financial commitment of up to $200,000 that will expedite funding to qualifying local food banks in need.

Our mission is to be a positive force for good in our communities and help as many people as we can,” said Sylvia Lundberg, Sawnee Foundation Chairman. “By assisting local food banks, we can do our part to help bridge the gap for families who are struggling to put food on the table at this time.”

The funds being utilized for this program and many other Sawnee Foundation charitable grants come from the Operation Round Up Program and not from current rate payer funds received from Sawnee EMC energy bills.

Thousands of Sawnee EMC members participate in Operation Round Up each month, a voluntary program that allows participating members to round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar – these “extra pennies” are used to fund grants to local nonprofits, including food banks.

For more information about the Sawnee Electric Foundation and Operation Round up, visit www.sawnee.coop/foundation-round-up or contact Mandy Love at 678-455-1579 or mandy.love@sawnee.coop.

About Sawnee EMC and the Sawnee Electric Foundation

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,400 accounts in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia.  The Sawnee Electric Foundation was created in 2003 with the mission of providing charitable donations within the Sawnee communities.  The Foundation exists to enhance the way of life for those in need, with financial assistance to selected charitable organizations. Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members/owners. Sawnee EMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.}