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NORCO–Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO, “Valero”) and the Valero Energy Foundation are committing $300,000 to support local organizations on the front lines of COVID-19 pandemic response.

The support is part of an overall $1.8 million commitment to help people who need it most, primarily in cities where the company operates. In addition, Valero also is providing gas cards to selected charitable organizations to provide access to essential fuels and products for their operations.

“The health and the safety of our employees, our families and our communities are critically important,” said Joe Gorder, Valero chairman and chief executive officer. “We are blessed to be able to continue supporting our community partners as we all work together to overcome this extraordinary situation.”

Some of the local organizations receiving funding include:

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive $100,000 to increase food packaging and distribution efforts for all 23 parishes it serves, including St. Charles Parish and St. Bernard Parish where Valero has operations. Second Harvest also will receive $10,000 worth of fuel gas cards that will be used to distribute meals during the COVID-19 epidemic for a total of $110,000 in monetary and in-kind donations. This donation will be made on behalf of our employees who live in many of the 23 parishes.
• St. Charles Parish School System will receive $40,000 for Google Chrome books for students who are working from home. The school system also is considering a program that will provide a means for teachers to reach out to parents of students working from home.
• Matthew 25:35 Ministries’ Food Pantry in St. Charles Parish will receive $25,000 to purchase a new refrigerator, additional food for distribution and bags to package food for local residents.
• Catholic Charities in St. Charles Parish will receive $25,000 to assist with its emergency fund, which is used to help families in need during times of crisis.
• St. Charles Council on Aging will receive $20,000 to increase efforts and sustain the “Meals on Wheels” program delivering food to homebound seniors. In addition, the organization will receive $5,000 in fuel cards for its delivery vans for a total of $25,000.
• St. Bernard School District will receive $25,000 to purchase the Chrome books the district needs to assist juniors and seniors with graduation preparation.
• The Community Center of St. Bernard will receive $40,000 to fund food distribution efforts and to expand its distribution to include items such as baby food and diapers.

§ Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive $10,000 earmarked specifically for Christopher Home Inc.’s St. Bernard Manor, which handles the distribution of food for seniors in the local community