South CouBofA check presentationnty Outreach has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to provide fresh, healthy items for its food pantry and to support programs to prevent homelessness.

The grant is part of Bank of America’s efforts to help individuals with basic human services in Orange County where more than 370,000 are in need. South County Outreach provides nearly one million pounds of food to local residents each year and this grant will augment the donated nonperishable food with fresh produce, meats, milk and other dairy products. This is currently the greatest need in the food pantry.

“Bank of America is a leader in community support,” said South County Outreach Executive Director Lara Fisher. “We are grateful to continue our partnership with them in the fight to end hunger and homelessness.”

The South County Outreach general operating fund also benefits from the grant and will be able to provide additional services to prevent homelessness. The nonprofit helps keep nearly 400 people off the streets each year with rental and utility assistance. Even more families are helped by the South County Outreach transitional housing program.

“We are proud to work with South County Outreach and continue to support their food pantry because we know the organization not only plays a crucial role in the fight against hunger, but also takes a two hand approach by supplying the most vulnerable in our community with important educational classes as well,” said Allen Staff, Orange County market president, Bank of America.