(JEFFERSON, GA. Dec. 12, 2017) –Jackson EMC has donated $20,000 to Good News at Noon in Gainesville to purchase and install a commercial range, warmers, prep tables, three-compartment sink and dishwasher in its food pantry.

The Jackson EMC donation was made from margin refunds that have been unclaimed by the electric cooperative’s members for five years. Legislation passed in 2005 permits Georgia electric cooperatives to make charitable, education and economic development contributions of unclaimed margin refunds.

Since 1987 Good News at Noon has grown from its original free-lunch program to include a homeless shelter, food pantry and summer school program. Each year more than 15,000 people are fed, clothed and housed at Good News at Noon.

“This donation will enable us to buy commercial grade equipment that supports meal preparation, food storage and clean up so we can continue to serve more than 1,300 hot meals per month,” said Alejandro Oropeza, director of Good News at Noon.

Oropeza continued, “Currently, Good News at Noon relies on volunteers preparing the food remotely then transporting it to the facility, which limits those who can support our efforts based on their access to equipment to prepare and cook for so many people. Commercial equipment on-site will improve the experience for the recipient and volunteer, as well as aid in ensuring the quality of food prep.”

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, the largest electric cooperative in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation, is headquartered 50 miles northeast of Atlanta in Jefferson, Ga. The cooperative serves more than 225,000 meters with 14,000 miles of energized wire. For more information, visit jacksonemc.com.

Photo: A $20,000 Jackson EMC check to Good News at Noon will provide a commercial kitchen enabling the ministry to serve more than 1,300 people each month. At the check presentation are (from left) Tom Fitzgerald, Angela Sheppard and Anne Dittman, Good News at Noon board members ; David Lee, Jackson EMC Gainesville district manager; Sandra Henderson, board member; Beth Oropeza, assistant director; Alejandro Oropeza, director; Joe Campbell, board chair.