FirstEnergy Foundation donates $1.2 million to Pennsylvania food banks

GREENSBURG, Pa., Sept. 3, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- FirstEnergy Foundation has announced its largest-ever investment in hunger relief, awarding $1.2 million to 37 Pennsylvania food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month. This significant donation is expected to provide over 3.6 million meals for families in communities served by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary known locally as Penn Power, Penelec, Met-Ed, or West Penn Power.

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, highlighted the ongoing struggle with food insecurity in the region. "Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in many of the communities we serve," Hawkins said. "Through the FirstEnergy Foundation, we are proud to support 37 community partners working tirelessly to help our neighbors. Their dedication and support remind us of the positive impact we can achieve when communities come together to help those in need."

To mark the start of Hunger Action Month, FE PA employees volunteered at the Westmoreland Food Bank, assisting with the preparation and distribution of food for families facing food insecurity. This event was one of six volunteer activities organized by FE PA employees throughout September.

During the volunteer event, FE PA leadership presented a $250,000 donation from the FirstEnergy Foundation to Feeding Pennsylvania and a $50,000 grant to the Westmoreland Food Bank, a member of the Feeding Pennsylvania network. These contributions underscore the Foundation's ongoing commitment to addressing hunger, a key focus area of their giving priorities.

Lauren Duff, Chief Public Affairs Officer of Feeding Pennsylvania, expressed gratitude for FirstEnergy's support. "The FirstEnergy Foundation's generous investment comes at a critical time for food banks across Pennsylvania. This support will help provide neighbors facing hunger with the essential nutrients they need to live healthy, full lives, while bolstering the ability of our food banks to meet growing demand."

Despite ongoing efforts by food banks and nonprofit organizations, food insecurity remains a pressing issue. Feeding America estimates that over 1.8 million people, including approximately 508,000 children, experienced food insecurity in Pennsylvania in 2024.

Jennifer Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Westmoreland Food Bank, emphasized the impact of FirstEnergy's support. "FirstEnergy continues to support the Westmoreland Food Bank's mission, both through employee volunteerism and monetary contributions. This support keeps food on our shelves and ultimately puts meals on the plates of our neighbors facing hunger."

This year, the Foundation is supporting six new grant recipients while increasing investments in several of Pennsylvania's largest food banks and hunger-relief partners. The recipients include the Altoona/Blair County Food Bank, Armstrong County Community Action Agency, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, and others.

The Pennsylvania grants are part of a broader $5 million initiative supporting 140 hunger-relief organizations across FirstEnergy's six-state service territory and the District of Columbia. This initiative aims to stock local food banks and ensure meals are available to households facing food insecurity.

FirstEnergy employees also contribute significantly through the company’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2025, employees provided approximately 28,500 volunteer hours, valued at over $1 million in additional community support.

The FirstEnergy Foundation’s commitment to hunger relief is a testament to the company's dedication to community service. Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's operational area to date in 2026.

FirstEnergy, with its focus on integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serves over 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.