Renewable energy company Drax has donated $21,500 to seven food banks across Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas to help them feed and provide support to individuals and families over the holiday season. We recognize that 2025 has been very challenging for food banks across the country.
“Cuts in the federal budget earlier in the year, and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits left more people in our community in need,” said Reverand Evan Thayer with the Demopolis Food Pantry. “We purchase our food at a discount through the Selma Food Bank, but due to cutbacks there, where we used to be able to purchase 20 cases of meat per month, it has been reduced to 4 cases.”
The Demopolis Food Pantry serves on average 180 households per week. Reverand Thayer says that number has jumped to 220. “We are immensely grateful to Drax and many other donors large and small who have come forward to help us continue to meet the needs of our community during these challenging times.”
The funding for these donations comes from the company’s dedicated Community Fund. The foodbanks receiving this support serve communities close to Drax sites in the USA, providing essential supplies to hundreds of people in these countries who are struggling with the cost of living.
“It is a privilege to be able to partner with local food banks to help tackle food insecurity and hunger in our communities,” said Matt White, Executive Vice President of North American Pellet Operations for Drax. “Drax is committed to being good neighbors, and this is just another opportunity for us to show our commitment to the communities we call home.”
In Northeast Louisiana, one in five people are considered food insecure and are at risk of experiencing hunger – one in three of those people are children. “Drax’s generosity means over 10,000 meals for people who need them most,” said Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. “When we work together, we can create a future where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from.”
The other U.S. food banks receiving funding included the Food Bank of Central LA serving LaSalle Parish, The West Alabama Food Bank, the Amite River Food Bank, the Mainstreet Mission Food Pantry serving Russellville, AR, and Kathy’s Closet and Food Pantry serving Leola, AR.
Donations from Drax’s Community Fund have also been given to other food and essentials organizations, youth programs, education and employment organizations, physical and mental health charities, community spaces and organizations that strengthen the communities where Drax operates.
To learn more about Drax’s corporate giving, https://www.drax.com/us/community or contact [email protected] for additional information.
ENDS
Contact Information:
Michelli Martin
U.S. Communications Manager
318-372-3988
[email protected]
About Drax
Drax Group’s mission is to help meet the world’s increasing demand for secure energy, sustainably, and to reach net zero by the end of 2040 across our value chain. By supporting biodiversity across our sites and in our value chain by the end of 2030 and seeking to make a positive contribution to the lives and livelihoods of our colleagues, communities, and workers in our supply chain, Drax is committed to being climate, nature, and people positive in our operations.
Drax’s around 3,000 employees operate across three principal areas of activity – electricity generation, electricity sales to business customers and compressed wood pellet production and supply to third parties. For more information visit www.drax.com/us
