CVE North America Awards $10,000 Social Impact Grant to Astoria Food Pantry Amid Rising Community Need

NEW YORK, November, 12, 2025 — As communities across the United States regain stability following the recent government shutdown, CVE North America (CVE), a leader in community solar development, is stepping up to support those closest to home. To help local families get back on their feet heading into the holiday season, the company awarded its 2025 Social Impact Grant of $10,000 to Astoria Food Pantry, a volunteer-run nonprofit in Astoria, Queens, that strengthens local access to opportunity, inclusion, and community well-being.

Now in its third year, the CVE Social Impact Grant honors nonprofit partners whose work fortifies the communities where CVE lives and works. This year’s award carries particular urgency, as thousands of New Yorkers continue to feel the ripple effects of delayed assistance, lost wages, and strained support systems. CVE selected Astoria Food Pantry for its proven, year-round commitment to helping residents regain stability, especially in moments of crisis

Founded in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Astoria Food Pantry began when a small group of neighbors joined forces to help one another through an unprecedented time. What started as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a vital community hub that provides free groceries, meals, clothing, books, and essential household items while fostering belonging, dignity, and care for all.

“The food pantry started at the beginning of the pandemic when our neighbors, and especially our coworkers in restaurants, were losing work and going without pay,” said Benham Jones, a volunteer at Astoria Food Pantry. “We didn’t have big institutional support, but we used the resources we had to help each other and build community.”

Today, the pantry serves as a cornerstone of compassion in Astoria and plays a critical role in helping families stabilize and rebuild. Volunteers welcome hundreds of residents each week, offering not only food but also stability, understanding, and hope. As the government shutdown strains assistance programs, more families turn to the pantry for support, underscoring the importance of its work and the power of community action.

“We offer more than food,” added Catie Fireman, volunteer at Astoria Food Pantry. “We try to create a community where everyone has something they need and everyone has something to give.”

CVE’s $10,000 grant enables the pantry to meet surging demand and sustain essential services in the months ahead. As a fully volunteer-run organization, the donation represents roughly 5% of its annual operating budget and delivers critical support during a time when many families are struggling to cover basic needs.

“Supporting Astoria Food Pantry feels especially meaningful right now,” said Thibaut Delespaul, general manager of CVE North America. “Their tireless work to help our neighbors regain their footing shows what true community looks like and reflects the very essence of who we are as a company.”

Each year, the CVE Social Impact Grant reflects the values and passions of its team members. Employees across the company nominate nonprofit organizations that are meaningful to them and the communities they care about. An internal review committee then narrows the list to three finalists based on specific funding guidelines and criteria, and the entire company votes to select the grant recipient. This employee-driven process ensures the award supports causes that resonate deeply within the CVE community.

Through the CVE Social Impact Grant, CVE North America continues to strengthen relationships with local nonprofits that create lasting resilience and opportunity across the communities it serves.

As the holiday season approaches, the need is greater than ever. Join us in supporting Astoria Food Pantry as it helps families recover and prepare for the months ahead. Donate, volunteer, or find resources at www.astoriafoodpantry.com.

At CVE North America, empowering communities is at the heart of everything we do. Learn how we partner with communities to deliver innovative solar solutions that create opportunity and help power a more equitable future at www.cvenorthamerica.com.

About Astoria Food Pantry

Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Astoria Food Pantry is a volunteer-run nonprofit that fosters community and provides essential resources to local residents. Beyond distributing food and household goods, they have created an inclusive space that welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

About CVE North America:

CVE North America (CVE) is a leading independent solar power producer based in New York City. Founded in 2017, CVE is dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions across the United States. As a subsidiary of CVE Group, CVE North America develops and operates innovative solar solutions that empower communities, strengthen energy independence, and generate long-term value for the regions it serves. The company is a Certified B Corporation and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, reflecting its commitment to quality, operational excellence, and social and environmental responsibility. Learn more at www.cvenorthamerica.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Claire V. Rossie, Corporate Social Responsibility & Impact Manager at claire.rossie@cvegroup.com.