FirstEnergy Foundation Pledges $2.5 Million in Largest Hunger Relief Effort, Targeting 1.9 Million Meals in Tri-State Area

The FirstEnergy Foundation has announced its most significant investment in hunger relief to date, dedicating $2.5 million to support over 100 hunger relief organizations across six states. As part of its Hunger Action Month initiative, the foundation has allocated $620,000 specifically for 32 food banks and pantries operating within West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. This substantial funding is anticipated to provide approximately 1.9 million meals to individuals and families in communities served by FirstEnergy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison, as well as in Virginia where Potomac Edison maintains transmission infrastructure.

The grants are being distributed to a wide array of organizations, including prominent food banks like Mountaineer Food Bank, which received $75,000, and Western Maryland Food Bank, which was awarded $50,000. Numerous smaller, community-focused pantries and initiatives across various counties in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia will also benefit from this funding. For instance, Berkeley County CCAP/Loaves and Fishes in West Virginia received $35,000, while organizations such as Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission and Blue Ridge Community & Technical College Foundation received grants that will support needs across state lines in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. In Maryland, significant support was directed to Frederick Rescue Mission and Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland, each receiving $20,000, and in Virginia, Loudoun Hunger Relief and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank received $20,000 and $45,000 respectively.

This expanded grant program comes as food insecurity continues to be a growing concern across the United States. Federal data and reports from organizations like Feeding America indicate that over two million individuals in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia are currently facing food insecurity. This challenge is exacerbated by factors such as rising costs of living, the impact of climate-related disruptions on food supplies, and ongoing vulnerabilities within global supply chains.

Beyond financial contributions, FirstEnergy employees are actively involved in combating hunger. The company provides employees with dedicated paid volunteer time off, allowing them to offer direct assistance to local nonprofits. In the past year, FirstEnergy employees collectively contributed over 26,000 volunteer hours to various community causes, including food banks and pantries. This hands-on involvement complements the foundation’s grant-making efforts.

The FirstEnergy Foundation and its employees have a long-standing commitment to addressing food insecurity, with a history of support spanning over two decades. Since 2021, employees have personally donated $650,000 to organizations focused on hunger alleviation and nutritional improvement. Furthermore, the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, spearheaded by employees, has raised nearly $7 million over the past 23 years. Last year alone, the foundation provided close to $800,000 in funding for hunger-related initiatives.

The FirstEnergy Foundation extends its support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that address critical needs within communities where FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies serve customers and where the company conducts business. To date in 2025, in addition to the Hunger Action Month grants, the foundation has distributed over $4 million in community support across its service areas. Organizations interested in potential grant opportunities from the FirstEnergy Foundation should contact Torey Tolson, Community Involvement Consultant, via email at tolsont@firstenergycorp.com. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

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

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