Sempra Energy Foundation has awarded a $50,000 COVID-19 Nonprofit Hardship Fund Grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to support their expanded meal program for children during the crisis.

The Sempra Energy Foundation is the nonprofit foundation of Sempra Energy, the parent company of SoCalGas.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County aim to provide children with at least 16,000 meals per week.

“For many nonprofit organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic is straining resources as demands increase,” said Dennis V. Arriola, board chair of the Sempra Energy Foundation, and executive vice president and group president of Sempra Energy. “We are making grants to help key organizations serve critical needs for people who need support now more than ever, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is doing just that with their expanded meal program.”

Meals are provided Monday through Sunday at three club sites and two community centers.

Meals are also provided to children at traditional club sites Monday through Friday, additionally the goal of traditional club sites is to offer full-day activities to school age children of first responders, healthcare professionals, essential community personnel and those parents/guardians who must work to maintain employment.