Propane companies continue to give back during challenging times

October 9, 2020 By Sarah Peecher

This year, several companies in the propane industry have been hard at work providing more than just fuel to their communities.

Superior Plus Propane, Ferrellgas and DiLeo Gas have each given back in different ways to their community during this challenging year. Their contributions include providing funding to food banks, scholarships and gift cards from local restaurants given to lower-income customers.

Superior Plus Propane partners with Feeding America

For each new customer signed up before Jan. 31, 2021, Superior Plus Propane will donate $25 to a food bank in the customer’s community. Photo: Feeding America

Superior Plus Propane has teamed up with Feeding America to simultaneously help customers save on propane and give back to families in need.

Until Jan. 31, 2021, each new customer who signs up for service with Superior Plus will receive a $200 credit, and the company will donate $25 to a food bank in the customer’s community through Feeding America, according to the company.

“By choosing Superior, you’re not only choosing reliability, convenience and peace of mind – you’re helping your neighbors who may be in crisis,” says Andy Peyton, president of Superior Plus Propane. “We are proud to partner with Feeding America to fuel hope for families and help solve hunger and food insecurity in our community.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of April 2020, it has been estimated that the percentage of households in the U.S. deemed food insecure have, at minimum, doubled and possibly tripled. Superior Plus Propane serves communities throughout the East Coast, from Maine to Florida, and has committed to donating up to $175,000 – equivalent to 1.75 million meals.

“Families across America are feeling the strain from the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “As we navigate the coming months, it is support from partners like Superior Plus Propane that help our network of food banks provide more meals to communities in need.”

DiLeo Gas provides gift cards

As an effort in partnership with Worcester Community Action Council, Brian Sora fills out gift cards to give to lower-income customers. Photo: Harry DiLeo

According to an article in Worcester Magazine, DiLeo Gas partnered with Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) to distribute more than $10,000 worth of gift cards from local farms, grocery stores and restaurants in increments of $25 to lower-income customers.

WCAC has helped to provide home heating bill assistance for low-income customers of DiLeo Gas for over 15 years, according to Worcester Magazine. The gift card effort was led by Brian Sora, DiLeo’s director of operations, who has a background in the nonprofit world.

“We wanted to have the biggest impact we could, so we began purchasing gift cards from local essential businesses like grocery stores to distribute to these lower-income families that are using propane,” says Sora. “This way, we can help those who are most at risk afford the things they need while supporting local, family-owned businesses at the same time.”

Ferrellgas awards scholarships

The Ferrellgas Scholarship Program – which is in its 29th year and has awarded a total of $550,000 in aid over the course of its existence – provides financial aid to children or dependents of the company’s employees across the country.

The program is one of many ways the company gives back to its community, providing funds to students who show financial need and demonstrate substantial academic capability.

This year, Ferrellgas awarded 14 scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Each of the recipients received a $4,000 academic scholarship for the 2020-21 school year.

“We’re absolutely delighted to give these incredibly deserving students, and their parents, the financial assistance they need to attend some of the best colleges and universities across the country,” says Mary Lentz, director of employee relations at Ferrellgas. “Especially during the current state of affairs across the world, receiving a world-class education, whether online or on campus, remains important. We’re happy to play a small role in shaping the future leaders of our country.”

Ferrellgas has awarded more than 200 students with scholarships since the inception of this program.

(If your company would like to share details of its involvement in a community-based initiative, please email Sarah Peecher at speecher@northcoastmedia.net.)