FirstEnergy Foundation Expands Fight Against Hunger With $5 Million Investment Across Six-State Region

Largest hunger relief investment in Foundation history will help provide 15 million meals for communities served by FirstEnergy

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark Hunger Action Month, the FirstEnergy Foundation is awarding $5 million to 140 food banks and pantries across its grantmaking footprint, helping provide an estimated 15 million meals for families and neighbors facing food insecurity. The investment is the Foundation's largest hunger relief initiative to date and doubles its support for hunger relief organizations compared with 2025.

The grants support organizations across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia, reflecting FirstEnergy's commitment to strengthening communities throughout its operational footprint.

National Hunger Action Month, observed each September, raises awareness of food insecurity and encourages volunteerism, advocacy and charitable giving to help address hunger in local communities. Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge across the country. Feeding America estimates that, in 2024, more than 7.2 million people lived in food-insecure households across the states and communities served by FirstEnergy Foundation grant recipients, including more than 2 million children.

Wade Smith, President, FirstEnergy Utilities: "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."

Lauren Brant, Divisional Director of Corporate Engagement, The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania: "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."

Supporting Hunger Relief Organizations Across the Region

Building on last year's initiative, the Foundation expanded support in 2026, increasing investments in many regional food banks and pantries while also providing grants to several first-time recipients serving local communities.

This year's grants support 140 organizations throughout FirstEnergy's operational area, including:

• Ohio: $1.2 million supporting 29 organizations and helping provide approximately 3.6 million meals.
• Pennsylvania: $1.2 million supporting 37 organizations and helping provide approximately 3.6 million meals.
• New Jersey: $1.3 million supporting 25 organizations and helping provide approximately 3.8 million meals.
• West Virginia/Maryland: $1.1 million supporting 43 organizations and helping provide approximately 3.3 million meals.
• Virginia: $125,000 supporting four organizations and helping provide approximately 375,000 meals.
• District of Columbia: $75,000 supporting two organizations and helping provide approximately 225,000 meals.

Additional details about grant recipients are available in accompanying state news releases and on our Hunger Action Month webpage.

Amanda Mertens Campbell, Vice President, External Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, and President, FirstEnergy Foundation: "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."

Employees Power Good Beyond the Grid

In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy employees regularly volunteer with food banks, pantries and other nonprofit organizations in their local communities. Through the company's Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, employees can provide hands-on support that helps organizations serve more families while reducing operating costs.

Throughout September, FirstEnergy leaders and employees will participate in volunteer projects, grant presentations and community events highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing food insecurity.

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, those efforts represent more than $1 million in additional community support.

Media Resources

Photos and video from Hunger Action Month grant presentations, volunteer events and community collaborations will be added throughout September and made available on Flickr.

About FirstEnergy Foundation

The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations across FirstEnergy's operational area, helping them build capacity, strengthen outcomes and deliver lasting impact. Giving priorities include housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM initiatives that reflect community needs and the company's strategic focus. Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's operational area to date in 2026.

About FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com. 

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.