Sasol Partners with local food bank to address food insecurity
26 Jun 2024
United States
Sasol partners with local food bank to address food insecurity
Sasol contributes $100,000 to Westlake Food Pantry via Second Harvest
Westlake, La. - June 26, 2024 - Sasol is proud to partner with Westlake Food Pantry and Second Harvest to address food insecurity in the communities of Westlake, Mossville, Moss Bluff, Ragley and Longville.
The Southwest Louisiana community has been Sasol's home for more than 20 years and the company credits its success in large part to local partnerships forged and strengthened in that time. Over the next four years, the company will donate $100,000 to Westlake Food Pantry to support the organization's efforts to provide critical assistance to economically disadvantaged community members. The money will be used to provide both food and personal hygiene products to eligible recipients.
"We not only work here, but we live here too," said Eric Walker, Sasol's vice president of operations. "We understand that when we empower our neighbors with the resources needed to live a productive life, it not only impacts their lives, but leads to a more sustainable community for all of us. Food insecurity is a growing issue in our community, and we're proud to help through this signature initiative."
To kick off the partnership, Sasol employees held a week-long food drive at its Lake Charles Chemical Complex in Westlake, which will culminate with Sasol employees delivering the donations to Westlake Food Pantry on June 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin, Second Harvest Director Paul Scelfo and United Methodist Church Reverend Amy Castro will also be in attendance.
"This will be the largest contribution for our pantry in Westlake and will serve as the main hub for food assistance in the area," said Scelfo. "The pantry is one of several crucial initiatives by Second Harvest to combat food insecurity and help build a more resilient Southwest Louisiana. It will be a cornerstone in addressing food insecurity, and we love seeing the community come together in support of this mission."
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life due to limited financial resources or other issues. The non-profit organization Feeding Louisiana, a coalition of five local food banks across the state, estimates that one in seven Louisianians struggles to afford nutritious meals on a regular basis.
"This support from Sasol will help many families in our area," said Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin. "Sasol not only supports us financially, but their employees also become personally involved, roll up their sleeves and help us get the food to those who need it most. We thank them for their partnership and for their commitment to being good neighbors."
The Westlake Food Pantry provides eligible individuals and families with food supplies three days a week - Monday and Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. The pantry also provides daily lunches during church office hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Friday.
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About Sasol
Sasol Chemicals is a global leader, growing our unique chemistry through a commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. Operating in 17 countries, we integrate cutting-edge technologies into world-scale facilities to source, produce and market high-quality products. Our purpose, "innovating for a better world," reflects our dedication to People, Planet and Profit. For more information, visit the Sasol Chemicals website.
Media Contact
Sarah Hughes, Manager Lake Charles Corporate Affairs
(346) 313-6151
sarah.hughes@us.sasol.com