Los Angeles Refinery Honored by Local Nonprofit for Its Continuous Work in the Community

The past couple of years have presented many challenges, which is why giving to the community has been even more top of mind for employees at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery (LAR). Recently, some of those efforts are being recognized by Los Angeles nonprofit SBCC Thrive LA. The neighborhood-based, resident-driven organization works to strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County. It presented the refinery with its Continuous Collaborations Award for ongoing investments in the community, including the organization's urban farm.

“The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm would not be where it is today without all the support of Marathon Petroleum’s team from Los Angeles,” said SBCC’s Executive Director Colleen Mooney. “Time after time, Marathon’s people showed up ready to lend a hand -- whether it was filling the farm’s garden beds or building an amphitheater with a stage that seats 100 people. We can’t thank them enough.”

In 2021, Marathon Petroleum provided SBCC with a $45,000 grant to support the project, which celebrated its grand opening this spring. The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm supports lower-income families in the communities of Wilmington, Carson and San Pedro, offering them green space to enjoy, but also a place where they can rent a plot to plant and grow their own produce to serve their families, or sell for additional income.

“This is one of those projects we’ve been thrilled to support,” said Olga Chavez, Stakeholder & Community Engagement at Marathon Petroleum. “Watching it come together from start to finish has been a real joy and sense of pride for our employees.”

In addition to the Farm, LAR teams up with SBCC for an annual Adopt-A-Family event held at the refinery each December. Last year, they adopted 30 local families and more than 80 children in need for the holidays.