#United States #Feeding America #hunger relief #FirstEnergy #Fairmont

FirstEnergy Foundation's Historic Hunger Relief Initiative

The FirstEnergy Foundation is stepping up its commitment to fight hunger with an unprecedented grant of $1.1 million aimed at food banks and pantries in West Virginia and Maryland. This initiative marks the largest single investment in hunger relief by the Foundation to date, with a goal to support local communities during the challenging times of food scarcity.

A Deeper Look at the Grant

This substantial funding will be funneled to 43 food banks and pantries in the two states, significantly enhancing their capability to serve families facing food insecurity. With estimates suggesting that this investment could translate to approximately 3.3 million meals, the initiative is part of a larger $5 million allocation across six states and Washington, D.C., collectively aimed at fortifying over 140 hunger relief organizations.

National Hunger Action Month, celebrated in September, emphasizes the urgency of tackling food insecurity and encourages individuals and organizations to engage in volunteerism and charitable acts. The FirstEnergy Foundation’s grants are an integral component of this awareness-raising effort. Despite the ongoing work of food banks and nonprofit organizations, many families in West Virginia and Maryland continue to confront the daunting reality of food unavailability.

According to Feeding America, over 1.2 million residents in these two states grapple with food insecurity, including around 354,000 children. The funding provided is crucial in helping food banks and pantries meet the rising demand as families face high grocery prices and other economic pressures.

Community Support and Impact

Chris Beam, President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia and Maryland operations, articulated the necessity of this support, highlighting that “no one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.” The invested funds will not only provide for immediate food needs but will strengthen the foundations serving the local population.

The effort to expand support has not only included additional funding but also sees the Foundation partnering with new organizations this year. Among them are first-time recipients, expanding reach and diversifying the support network in combating hunger. Prominent organizations that will receive benefits from this grant include:

Maryland Recipients:

• - Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
• - Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland
• - Washington County Community Action Council

West Virginia Recipients:

• - Blackwater Ministerial Association
• - Catholic Charities of West Virginia
• - Mountaineer Food Bank

Employee Volunteer Efforts

Beyond financial contributions, FirstEnergy employees are also directly engaging with hunger relief initiatives. Through their Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, staff members lend their support to food banks, helping them to maximize their resources and reach more families in need. In the previous year, employees dedicated approximately 28,500 hours to volunteer efforts, translating into a significant financial value of over $1 million based on national volunteer hour estimates.

About the FirstEnergy Foundation

The FirstEnergy Foundation is dedicated to supporting 501(c)(3) organizations within its operational area, focusing primarily on housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM education initiatives. With the recent grants, the Foundation has now distributed almost $6.5 million in community support since the start of the year, highlighting its commitment to making a tangible difference in local communities.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, serving over 6 million customers across several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company remains dedicated to safety, reliability, and excellence in service delivery.

With efforts such as these, the FirstEnergy Foundation is poised to make a lasting impact on the critical issue of hunger in the regions it serves.