#United States #New Jersey #hunger relief #FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy Foundation's Significant Contribution to Hunger Relief

In a remarkable move to combat food insecurity, the FirstEnergy Foundation has recently announced its largest grant dedicated to hunger relief efforts. As part of their Hunger Action Month initiative, this foundation will award $600,000 to 21 food banks and pantries across New Jersey, enabling them to serve approximately 2 million meals to families in need. This initiative is a part of a broader investment, with the foundation allocating a total of $2.5 million to assist 104 hunger-relief organizations spanning New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.

The Importance of Community Support

As food insecurity continues to escalate amidst rising prices and supply chain vulnerabilities, the foundation's efforts come at a crucial time. According to the USDA, over one million residents in New Jersey are affected by food insecurity, accounting for around 11.7% of the state's population. Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President of New Jersey, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that providing food is not just about nourishment; it is about fostering connections within communities.

The recognition that food can be a source of comfort and unity is echoed in the collaborative spirit of the FirstEnergy Foundation's approach. Their investments include grants to diverse organizations, aiming to increase the availability of healthy meals while supporting local communities.

Local Food Banks From the Grant

Here are some of the food banks receiving grants:

• - Bradley Food Pantry (Neptune City, Monmouth County) - $15,000
• - Catholic Charities' Hope House (Dover, Morris County) - $15,000
• - Community Foodbank of New Jersey (Hillside, Union County) - $25,000
• - Lunch Break (Red Bank, Monmouth County) - $50,000
• - Fulfill (Neptune, Monmouth County) - $75,000
• - Mercy Center (Asbury Park, Monmouth County) - $50,000

These funds are intended to empower local organizations, allowing them to extend their reach and enhance their services to those most vulnerable. The monthly impact of these grants is enormous, as they contribute to the core mission of these organizations – to alleviate hunger in their respective communities.

Employee Volunteering and Commitment

Beyond financial donations, FirstEnergy is deeply committed to community engagement. The company has established a volunteer program that allows its employees to dedicate paid hours to volunteering at local nonprofits. Last year alone, FirstEnergy employees contributed over 26,000 volunteer hours, supporting food banks and other essential services. This type of hands-on participation is vital in combating hunger, as it not only brings direct support to organizations but also strengthens the ties between the company and its community.

A Long-Standing Commitment to Alleviating Hunger

Since its inception, the FirstEnergy Foundation has actively participated in the fight against food insecurity for over two decades. The foundation and its employees have collectively raised approximately $7 million through various campaigns aimed at addressing hunger. This includes nearly $800,000 donated in the past year alone to initiatives focused on improving nutrition and fighting hunger.

In addition to the Hunger Action Month contributions, FirstEnergy has provided substantial support to local charities, showcasing their dedication to not just temporary relief but long-term solutions in tackling hunger in their service areas.

How to Get Involved

The FirstEnergy Foundation continues to welcome support from local 501(c)(3) nonprofits that address urgent needs within the communities served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL) and FirstEnergy. Organizations looking to inquire about grant opportunities can reach out directly to community involvement consultants within the foundation.

This substantial investment in hunger relief showcases FirstEnergy's commitment to community welfare and its recognition of the vital role that local organizations play. As more families feel the impacts of rising costs, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring access to nutritious meals and strengthening communal bonds across New Jersey.