FirstEnergy Foundation invests $1.2 million in Ohio food banks during Hunger Action Month

The FirstEnergy Foundation has made its largest investment in hunger relief to date, allocating $1.2 million to 29 Ohio food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month. This funding, part of a $5 million regional initiative supporting 140 organizations across six states and the District of Columbia, aims to provide more than 3.6 million meals for families and neighbors in Ohio.

This substantial investment is a significant step in addressing food insecurity, which affects approximately 1.8 million Ohioans, or 15.3% of the state's population, according to Feeding America. The grant will bolster the efforts of organizations like the Akron Children's Hospital Foundation Food Farmacy, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, and Alliance Community Pantry, among others, to stock local shelves and meet growing needs in communities served by Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison.

Torrence L. Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio, expressed his commitment to alleviating hunger, stating, "No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Food banks and pantries are working every day to meet growing needs, but they can't do it alone. This investment will help provide more than 3.6 million meals for families, seniors, and children while strengthening the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief."

Michelle M. Brown, CEO and President of Children's Hunger Alliance (CHA), echoed Hinton's sentiment, adding, "We are thrilled to grow our collaboration with the FirstEnergy Foundation to help children reach their full potential, providing nutritious meals and food education right where they are, every day of the year. Their investment will do more than expand programs—it will drive meaningful, lasting change in childhood nutrition across Northeast Ohio."

The FirstEnergy Foundation's initiative supports 29 Ohio organizations, with 16 being first-time recipients. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 were awarded to organizations such as Akron Children's Hospital Foundation Food Farmacy, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Alliance Community Pantry, and Children's Hunger Alliance, among others. These funds will be used to help families access nutritious meals and alleviate economic pressures.

In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy employees contribute significantly through the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2025, employees contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours, valued at more than $1 million, to support hunger relief organizations.

The FirstEnergy Foundation's commitment to hunger relief reflects its broader giving priorities, which include housing stability, workforce development, and STEM initiatives. Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across its operational area in 2026.

This investment underscores the ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in Ohio and highlights the collaborative impact of public-private partnerships in addressing critical social issues.