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FirstEnergy Foundation's Major Hunger Relief Investment in Pennsylvania

In a significant move to combat food insecurity, the FirstEnergy Foundation has announced its largest investment in hunger relief to date, totaling $1.2 million. This grant will benefit 37 food banks and pantries throughout Pennsylvania, providing a expected 3.6 million meals to families in need. The funding comes just in time for Hunger Action Month, a critical time when many organizations strive to address the growing challenge of food scarcity.

Making a Difference

John Hawkins, the President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, expressed the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in the areas served by FirstEnergy. "Too many families continue to struggle with putting meals on their tables. Through the FirstEnergy Foundation, we are proud to support the dedicated community partners committed to helping our neighbors in need. Their hard work and commitment remind us how much we can achieve when we unite to care for one another,” he stated during the announcement.

To promote community involvement for Hunger Action Month, employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania volunteered at the Westmoreland Food Bank. This hands-on effort involved preparing and distributing food to local families, symbolizing FirstEnergy’s commitment to fighting hunger in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, during this event, a donation of $250,000 was presented to Feeding Pennsylvania, alongside a $50,000 grant to the Westmoreland Food Bank, both critical players in the hunger relief network.

A Growing Need

As food banks across the state face increasing demands, Lauren Duff, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Feeding Pennsylvania, noted that the generous investment from FirstEnergy comes at a pivotal time. She pointed out that with more families reaching out for assistance, the support will provide essential supplies like fresh produce, protein, and dairy, helping countless families across the state.

Despite ongoing efforts, challenges remain, with Feeding America estimating that around 1.8 million Pennsylvanians, including more than 508,000 children, experienced food insecurity in recent years. Jennifer Miller, CEO of Westmoreland Food Bank, articulated the profound impact FirstEnergy’s support has on both the daily operations and long-term strategies of the food bank, emphasizing gratitude for the partnership.

Supporting Multiple Organizations

The grants from the FirstEnergy Foundation will support not only previously established partners but also six first-time recipients. The following food banks received significant grants:

• - Altoona/Blair County Food Bank (Altoona, Blair County)
• - Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg, Dauphin County)
• - Feeding Pennsylvania (Lemoyne, Cumberland County)
• - Westmoreland Food Bank (Delmont, Westmoreland County)

Alongside these, numerous other food pantries throughout Pennsylvania will receive necessary assistance, strengthening the network designed to alleviate hunger in local communities.

Volunteer Efforts Amplify Impact

FirstEnergy's commitment goes beyond monetary donations. Employees routinely engage in volunteer activities to support local food banks and other nonprofits across Pennsylvania. Through their Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, employees contribute significantly to hunger relief efforts, with around 28,500 hours of community service logged in 2025 alone. This equates to over $1 million in added community support, reflecting tremendous dedication to creating a lasting impact in the community.

Conclusion

The FirstEnergy Foundation continues to be a vital player in addressing hunger across its service areas. With this recent investment of $1.2 million, it reinforces its commitment to ensuring that no family in Pennsylvania has to face food insecurity alone.

As organizations like Feeding Pennsylvania and Westmoreland Food Bank mobilize resources to meet the hunger crisis, the community’s collective efforts highlight a powerful message: together, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to nutritious food.