FirstEnergy Foundation Celebrates a Decade of Impact with Fill a Glass with Hope® Initiative

FirstEnergy Foundation's Ten Years of Commitment to Food Security

The FirstEnergy Foundation has recently celebrated a significant milestone: ten years of unwavering support for Pennsylvania's Fill a Glass with Hope® program. On January 9, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, the foundation announced a substantial grant of $25,000 to kickstart the 2026 initiative. This latest contribution brings the total investment made by the foundation to an impressive $250,000 since the program's inception in 2016.

Fill a Glass with Hope® shines as the nation’s inaugural statewide charitable fresh milk initiative, successfully aiding Pennsylvania food banks in providing over 41 million servings of milk. This figure equates to an astonishing three glasses of milk for every individual in the state. The success of this program is made possible through a collaborative effort involving Feeding Pennsylvania, the American Dairy Association Northeast, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association.

Bridging the Gap in Food Insecurity

Milk is frequently cited as one of the most requested items at food banks, yet its perishable nature makes it a rarity in donations. This program effectively bridges that gap, ensuring families, especially children, receive fresh, nutritious milk. According to Feeding Pennsylvania, every dollar donated translates to eight glasses of milk delivered to local food banks.

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, expressed the foundation's deep-rooted commitment to the communities it serves, beyond merely providing electricity. He emphasized that this year's contribution will provide an estimated 200,000 servings of milk to those in need throughout Pennsylvania, including many residing in areas serviced by FirstEnergy.

A Broader Impact

The recent donation to Fill a Glass with Hope® follows the foundation's substantial distribution of $750,000 in grants to 37 food banks and pantries across Pennsylvania during Hunger Action Month in September 2025. Over the years, the FirstEnergy Foundation has allocated $2.5 million to support 104 hunger-relief organizations across six states, marking its most significant investment in fighting hunger to date.

For those interested in contributing to this vital effort, additional information about the Fill a Glass with Hope® program can be found at Feeding Pennsylvania's website.

About FirstEnergy Foundation

The FirstEnergy Foundation is dedicated to assisting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that fulfill essential needs in communities served by FirstEnergy's electric operating companies. In 2025 alone, the foundation distributed over $5.5 million in community support within its service area. It is essential to note that the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications; for more information on grant opportunities or corporate sponsorships, interested parties can visit the FirstEnergy Foundation webpage or reach out via email to the Community Involvement team.

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) prioritizes integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. With its electric distribution companies forming one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., FirstEnergy serves over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries manage approximately 24,000 miles of lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.