FirstEnergy Foundation invests $1.1 million in West Virginia and Maryland hunger relief
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The FirstEnergy Foundation has announced its largest-ever investment in hunger relief, awarding $1.1 million to 43 food banks and pantries in West Virginia and Maryland as part of a $5 million regional initiative. The funding will support 140 organizations across six states, including Washington, D.C., aiming to alleviate food insecurity in communities served by Mon Power and Potomac Edison.
This significant investment is expected to provide approximately 3.3 million meals, addressing the growing need for food assistance in West Virginia and Maryland, where more than 1.2 million people, including over 354,000 children, face food insecurity, according to Feeding America.
"Across West Virginia and Maryland, food banks and pantries are working tirelessly to meet the growing needs of families and individuals. However, they can't do it alone," said Chris Beam, President of West Virginia and Maryland for FirstEnergy. "This investment will help provide meals for families, seniors, and children, while strengthening the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief. We are proud to support their critical work."
The funding will benefit a wide range of organizations, including first-time recipients and several of the state's largest food banks. In Maryland, recipients include Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Garrett County Food Bank, and Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland. In West Virginia, the recipients span from the Blackwater Ministerial Association to the Randolph County Community Food Pantry, with several first-time grantees such as Gilmer County Family Resource Network and Glenville State College Foundation.
In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy employees contribute significantly through the company's Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2025, employees provided approximately 28,500 volunteer hours, equivalent to over $1 million in community support based on the national value of a volunteer hour.
"Through our Hunger Action Month initiative, we aim to not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen the local organizations that are vital to our communities," added Beam. "We are committed to making a lasting impact and are proud to support these organizations through both financial and volunteer efforts."
The FirstEnergy Foundation's ongoing commitment to hunger relief is part of its broader giving priorities, which also include housing stability, workforce development, and STEM initiatives. Since the start of 2026, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's operational area.