#United States #Food Security #FirstEnergy #Fairmont #Hunger

FirstEnergy Foundation's Historical Hunger Relief Grant

The FirstEnergy Foundation has made a significant philanthropic move by launching its largest hunger relief initiative to date, aimed at addressing the growing food insecurity crisis in the United States. In a strong show of community support, the Foundation has allocated a remarkable total of $620,000 in grants to 32 food banks and pantries across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing Hunger Action Month effort and marks a total investment of $2.5 million to over 100 hunger relief organizations across several states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Impact on Local Communities

This generous funding is poised to deliver approximately 1.9 million meals to individuals and families affected by food insecurity across the three key states served by FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison. Regions like Loudoun, Frederick, and Clarke counties in Virginia will also receive significant support through this initiative, which highlights the pressing need for resources as many communities are grappling with rising costs and interruptions in the food supply chain.

According to recent statistics from Feeding America and the USDA, food insecurity affects more than 2 million people in these areas, driven by factors such as inflation and environmental challenges. Directly addressing this epidemic, Jim Myers, FirstEnergy's President of West Virginia and Maryland, stated, "I've seen the impact of food insecurity firsthand, and no one should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Together, we're strengthening local hunger relief resources and helping deliver nutritious meals to neighbors who need it most."

Supported Food Banks and Pantries

The recipients of the grants reflect a broad range of organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger within their communities. Notable beneficiaries include:

• - Berkeley County CCAP/Loaves and Fishes – $35,000
• - Catholic Charities of West Virginia – $10,000
• - Mountaineer Food Bank – $75,000
• - Western Maryland Food Bank – $50,000
• - Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – $45,000

This financial assistance directly translates into essential supplies and services, thereby greatly enhancing food access for vulnerable populations.

Employee Involvement: A Culture of Giving

In addition to financial contributions, FirstEnergy demonstrates an unwavering commitment to community service through its Volunteering Time Off (VTO) program, which allows employees to volunteer their time to support local nonprofits actively. In 2024 alone, employees contributed over 26,000 volunteer hours, collaborating with food banks and various organizations tackling hunger challenges.

A Long-Standing Commitment to Eradicate Hunger

The FirstEnergy Foundation's commitment isn't just a one-time event; they have actively engaged in fighting food insecurity for over two decades. Notably, since 2021, employees have contributed approximately $650,000 to combat hunger, with an impressive $7 million raised by employees over the last 23 years through their annual Harvest for Hunger campaign. In the previous year, the Foundation donated close to $800,000 specifically aimed at hunger-related initiatives.

Grant Application Process

Organizations that serve food-insecure communities are encouraged to apply for grants through the FirstEnergy Foundation. However, it's essential to note that the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Nonprofits interested in grant opportunities can reach out directly to FirstEnergy’s Community Involvement Consultant, Torey Tolson, for inquiries regarding support.

Combining the recent Hunger Action Month grants, the Foundation’s total contributions for community support in 2025 have reached over $4 million, showcasing FirstEnergy’s profound impact in regions of need.

As Mon Power and Potomac Edison continue to serve their communities—about 395,000 and 285,000 customers respectively—they remain dedicated to integrity and community support, driven by a unified vision for a hunger-free future.

Follow FirstEnergy

Stay updated on FirstEnergy initiatives by following them online or on social media, where they share stories of hope and their ongoing drive to lift communities.

• - Follow Mon Power at mon-power.com and on social media @MonPowerWV.
• - Potomac Edison can be followed at potomacedison.com and on social media @PotomacEdison.
• - For more from FirstEnergy Corp., visit firstenergycorp.com or follow them @FirstEnergyCorp.

Together, as a community, we can combat the escalating hunger crisis and ensure that no individual has to fear food scarcity.