FirstEnergy Foundation Grants Expected to Help Provide 3.3 Million Meals Across West Virginia and Maryland

FAIRMONT, W.Va , Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation is making its largest investment in hunger relief to date, awarding $1.1 million to 43 West Virginia and Maryland food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month. The grants are part of a $5 million initiative supporting 140 hunger relief organizations across six states and Washington, D.C., helping stock local shelves and keep meals on tables in households facing food insecurity. The funding is expected to provide approximately 3.3 million meals for families and neighbors across West Virginia and Maryland, helping food banks and pantries meet growing demand in communities served by Mon Power and Potomac Edison.

Funding Organizations on the Front Lines of Hunger Relief 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. Despite ongoing efforts by food banks and nonprofit organizations, food insecurity remains a significant challenge across the country and in West Virginia and Maryland. According to Feeding America, more than 1.2 million people in West Virginia and Maryland, including more than 354,000 children, face food insecurity as families continue to navigate high food costs and other economic pressures. Food banks and pantries continue to play a critical role in helping families access nutritious meals as they navigate ongoing economic pressures.

Chris Beam, FirstEnergy's President of West Virginia and Maryland: "No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Across West Virginia and Maryland, food banks and pantries are working every day to meet growing needs, but they can't do it alone. This investment will help provide 3.3 million meals for families, seniors and children while strengthening the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief. We're proud to support their work and to stand beside them through volunteer service in the communities we call home."

Supporting 43 Hunger Relief Organizations Across West Virginia and Maryland Building on last year's initiative, the Foundation expanded its support to 43 organizations in 2026, including three first-time recipients, and increased investments in several of the state's largest food banks, pantries and hunger relief partners.