The Giving Plate Celebrates New EV Refrigerated Van, Chevy Bolt, and EV Charger with Support from Pacific Power
The Giving Plate Embraces Clean Transportation to Enhance Food Relief Efforts With help from Pacific Power’s Electric Mobility Grant Program
Staff from The Giving Plate, Pacific Power, and Deschutes 350.
BEND, OR — On April 15, 2025, staff from The Giving Plate, Pacific Power, 350Deschutes, and local community members gathered to celebrate the successful completion of an electric vehicle (EV) expansion project at The Giving Plate’s Distribution Center. The project, made possible through Pacific Power’s Electric Mobility Grant, marks a major milestone in the organization’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace clean energy solutions.
The initiative included the purchase and installation of a Maxwell refrigerated electric van, a Chevy Bolt, and a ChargePoint EV charging station—tools that will support The Giving Plate’s growing operations while promoting environmental sustainability.
“We are thrilled to see our vision of a more sustainable future for Bend come to fruition,” said Ranae Staley, Executive Director of The Giving Plate. “This project not only strengthens our ability to serve our neighbors in need, but it also demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. The installation of our new EV vehicles and charging station supports our mission to create lasting change while embracing clean and sustainable practices.”
“We were pleased to work with Ranae to help The Giving Plate secure funding for a refrigerated electric van, Chevy Bolt, and EV charging station,” said Noel Nelson, Board Member of 350Deschutes. “An exemplary move on their part to reduce costs and help the planet.”
“This partnership exemplifies how working together can empower The Giving Plate to create a brighter, more sustainable future for our community,” added Kate Hawley, Manager of Customer Solutions at Pacific Power. “We are proud to support Oregonians in adopting electric mobility as we work toward a more sustainable energy landscape.”
In addition to the completed EV project, The Giving Plate is preparing to install solar panels at its Distribution Center in Spring 2025, thanks to additional support from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program participants.
The EV charging station is open to the public and located at 1212 NE 1st Street, Bend, OR 97701, available during the Distribution Center’s open hours, which can be found on The Giving Plate’s website.
For more information, visit www.TheGivingPlate.org or www.PacificPower.net/EV. ### About The Giving Plate: Founded in 2010, The Giving Plate is one of Central Oregon’s largest food pantries, on a mission of “Feeding the hungry today with compassion and hospitality.” Through four hunger-relief programs—the Grocery Program, Kid’s Korner Market, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Backpacks for Bend—The Giving Plate provides low-barrier access to nutritious food for thousands of individuals and families across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. With a strong focus on childhood hunger and a commitment to dignity, choice, and community, The Giving Plate is reimagining food relief in a way that feeds both bodies and hearts. Learn more at www.thegivingplate.org.
EV Charging Station
