FirstEnergy Foundation Pledges $2.5 Million to Combat Hunger Across Six States

Per a press release from FirstEnergy Corp., the FirstEnergy Foundation has announced its largest hunger-relief investment to date, a $2.5 million program aimed at providing an estimated 2 million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. This significant commitment will benefit 104 hunger relief organizations across New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, with a particular focus on communities served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). In New Jersey alone, the foundation is contributing $600,000 to 21 local food banks and pantries.

The initiative, part of the foundation’s Hunger Action Month efforts, addresses the escalating crisis of food insecurity in the United States. National data indicates that over 11% of the population, including more than one million people in New Jersey, experience food insecurity. This situation is exacerbated by factors such as rising prices, climate-related disruptions, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The grants are designed to increase the availability of nutritious meals for those in need.

The FirstEnergy Foundation’s support extends to numerous food banks and pantries, with specific allocations made to organizations across New Jersey. Notable recipients include Fulfill in Neptune, Lunch Break in Red Bank, Mercy Center in Asbury Park, and NORWESCAP in Phillipsburg, each receiving substantial grants. These funds will directly contribute to the distribution of food to communities experiencing heightened need. The foundation has a long-standing commitment to addressing hunger, with employees also actively participating through volunteer efforts and direct donations. Over the past 23 years, FirstEnergy employees have raised nearly $7 million through initiatives like the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, and in 2024 alone, employees contributed over 26,000 volunteer hours to various community organizations, including food banks.

FirstEnergy’s commitment to community support is also demonstrated through its employee volunteer time-off program, allowing staff to dedicate paid hours to assisting local nonprofits. The FirstEnergy Foundation typically supports 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that address critical needs within the communities served by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies. To date in 2025, the foundation has allocated more than $4 million in community support across its service area, inclusive of the Hunger Action Month grants. JCP&L serves a significant customer base across 13 counties in New Jersey, and FirstEnergy as a whole provides electricity to over six million customers in multiple states.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from FirstEnergy Corp.

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