Largest hunger relief investment in Foundation history includes $1.1 million for West Virginia and Maryland as part of a $5 million regional initiative supporting 140 organizations

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.

Maryland:

• Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
• Garrett County Food Bank
• Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland
• Washington County Community Action Council
• Washington County Council of Churches d/b/a Hagerstown Area Religious Council
• Western Maryland Food Bank

West Virginia:

• Blackwater Ministerial Association
• Bless this Food
• Blue Ridge Community & Technical College Foundation
• Braxton County Senior Center*
• Calhoun County Committee on Aging
• Catholic Charities of West Virginia
• Cherry River Foundation
• Clarksburg Missions
• Community Bread Basket
• Community Markets
• Faith in Action
• Food for Preston
• Gilmer County Family Resource Network*
• Glenville State College Foundation*
• Haven of Hope
• Lewis County Family Resource Network
• Lewisburg/Fairlea Food Pantry
• Mannington Food Pantry
• Marion County Senior Citizens Center
• Moorefield Food Pantry
• Mountaineer Food Bank
• Old Man Rivers
• Pantry Plus More
• Pendleton Senior and Family Services
• Pocahontas County Senior Citizens
• Reachout Emergency Aid and Christian Help (REACH)
• Randolph County Community Food Pantry
• Ritchie County Family Resources Network
• Ronceverte Food Pantry - RMA Ronceverte Ministerial Association
• Scotts Run Settlement House
• Sobrania
• Soup Opera
• Taylor County Collaborative Family Resource Network
• United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley
• United Way of Harrison County
• United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties
• Upshur Cooperative Parish Inc

* First-time recipients of a FirstEnergy Foundation Hunger Action Month grant.

Employee Volunteers Help Food Banks Stretch Resources
In addition to financial support, FirstEnergy employees regularly volunteer with food banks, pantries and other nonprofit organizations across West Virginia and Maryland. 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.

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 partnerships 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.

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.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.