FirstEnergy Foundation Pledges $5 Million to Combat Food Insecurity
In a significant effort to address food insecurity, the FirstEnergy Foundation has pledged $5 million to 140 local food banks and pantries across its operational footprint, aiming to provide an estimated 15 million meals to families and neighbors in need. This marks the largest hunger relief investment in the Foundation’s history and represents a doubling of its support for such organizations compared to the previous year.
The initiative, announced during Hunger Action Month in September, underscores FirstEnergy's commitment to strengthening communities within its service area, which includes Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This year's investment is part of a broader strategy to support organizations that provide immediate assistance while also addressing the underlying issues of food insecurity.
According to Feeding America, over 7.2 million people lived in food-insecure households across the states and communities served by FirstEnergy Foundation grant recipients in 2024, with more than 2 million of these individuals being children. The Foundation's investment is expected to make a substantial impact, with an estimated 15 million meals provided to families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, emphasized the importance of local food banks and pantries in providing essential support to those in need. "Food insecurity affects communities across our region, and local food banks and pantries are often the first place families turn when they need help. Through this investment, we're helping trusted organizations put more meals on tables and reach more people when support is needed most."
The grants will support a diverse range of organizations, including: - In Ohio, $1.2 million will support 29 organizations and help provide approximately 3.6 million meals. - In Pennsylvania, $1.2 million will support 37 organizations and help provide approximately 3.6 million meals. - In New Jersey, $1.3 million will support 25 organizations and help provide approximately 3.8 million meals. - In West Virginia and Maryland, $1.1 million will support 43 organizations and help provide approximately 3.3 million meals. - In Virginia, $125,000 will support four organizations and help provide approximately 375,000 meals. - In the District of Columbia, $75,000 will support two organizations and help provide approximately 225,000 meals.
Lauren Brant, Divisional Director of Corporate Engagement for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania, highlighted the critical role these programs play in supporting families. "September is Hunger Action Month, but the need for The Salvation Army's feeding programs is year-round. Many of our neighbors are only one job loss or medical crisis away from food insecurity. Programs like ours serve as a lifeline for families, and we cannot do this work alone. Support from the FirstEnergy Foundation does more than put food on the table. It helps provide the stability, hope, and sense of community our neighbors need during difficult times."
In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy employees contribute significantly to hunger relief efforts through the company's Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2025, employees contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours across FirstEnergy's service territory, including thousands of hours supporting hunger relief organizations. Based on the 2025 national value of a volunteer hour of $36.14, these efforts represented more than $1 million in additional community support.
Amanda Mertens Campbell, Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Responsibility and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation, stated, "The FirstEnergy Foundation focuses its support on issues that matter to the communities we serve, and few needs are more fundamental than access to nutritious food. By investing in food banks and pantries across the regions we have the honor to serve, we're helping organizations that provide immediate assistance while strengthening the health and well-being of our communities and customers."
The FirstEnergy Foundation continues to prioritize hunger relief as a key area of focus, aiming to build capacity, strengthen outcomes, and deliver lasting impact. Since the start of 2026, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across its operational area, reflecting its ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity.