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Starkville Utilities and TVA Partner to Support Ongoing Pandemic Relief

Grants will help four local nonprofits continue to provide vital community services

STARKVILLE – Starkville Utilities and the Tennessee Valley Authority are presenting grants to four local nonprofits as part of an ongoing partnership to help residents who are experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Matching grants of $6,700 from TVA’s COVID Community Care Fund will be used to provide meals, financial assistance and other services for the community.

Last year, the partnership provided $10,000 in grants that helped the Starkville Rotary Foundation and United Way of North Central Mississippi expand their outreach efforts.

“Many of our neighbors continue struggling with health and economic impacts created by the pandemic,” said Terry Kemp, general manager, Starkville Utilities. “We are thankful that grants from the TVA COVID Community Care Fund are available to help more individuals and families in need of assistance.”

A $1,200 grant to Calvary Baptist Church will support the Food Closet Project that provides food and toiletries for people in need.

Friends of J.L. King’s received a grant of $2,000 that will fund weekly energy-efficiency workshops to help residents manage energy costs.

Christian World Missions plans to use a $1,000 grant to fund food preparation, packaging and delivery services for elderly and immune-compromised individuals in Oktibbeha County.

Friends of the Starkville Public Library will use a $2,500 grant to enhance the library’s digital technologies, including equipment for a podcasting lab and video lab for use by the community.

“We are fortunate that Starkville is served by a variety of nonprofits that provide essential services for vulnerable individuals and families,” Kemp said. “At Starkville Utilities, we’re also helping customers by practicing maximum flexibility in payment plans. We encourage those who are struggling financially to call 662-323-3133 and speak to one of our representatives.”

Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.