FirstEnergy Foundation Supersizes United Way of Berks County “Big Cheese” Event With $100,000 Grant

From FirstEnergy Foundation

A $100,000 grant from The FirstEnergy Foundation to the United Way of Berks County’s annual Big Cheese event is helping nourish children and adults facing food insecurity.

John Hawkins, FirstEnergy President, Pennsylvania, said, “Our employees show up year after year to support the United Way of Berks County’s Big Cheese event – and this year we wanted to do even more. To honor United Way’s 100th anniversary, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed a $100,000 grant, helping to provide an incredible 500,000 meals to children and families facing food insecurity. That’s double the number of meals from last year. It’s a powerful way to strengthen the health and well-being of our communities, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The recent event took place at Penn State’s Berks Campus gymnasium, where 1,000 volunteers assembled meal packages with macaroni and cheese, rice and beans, and flavored oatmeal. Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and other local food banks distribute the packaged meals, including to the Reading School District for students and their families.

Fighting hunger, fueling futures

Insufficient nutrition impairs children’s development, while chronic hunger causes ongoing stress and anxiety for families uncertain about their next meal. In Berks County, one in five residents is food insecure – 25,000 of whom are children. More than three in five local school-aged children qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches.

Tammy White, President of the United Way of Berks County, said, “We are deeply grateful for the FirstEnergy Foundation’s generous support of our 100th Anniversary BIGGER Big Cheese volunteer event, helping ensure that families in need across Berks County have access to nutritious meals. This partnership has a long history and is rooted in community spirit and impact. Met-Ed volunteers stepped up in a big way – by rolling up their sleeves to assist with event setup and to help package thousands of shelf-stable meals.”

FirstEnergy Foundation strengthens communities

The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that serve and meet the critical needs of its customers in communities served by FirstEnergy Corp.’s (NYSE: FE) electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. Through the first half of 2025, the FirstEnergy Foundation has granted nearly $2 million to support initiatives like the Big Cheese.

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Source: bctv