FirstEnergy employees donate more than 2.3 million meals to end hunger within their communities.
This month, our Industry Spotlight focuses on First Energy and Harvest for Hunger, one of the nation's largest annual, community-wide food and funds drives.
Each year, FirstEnergy employees participate in the Harvest for Hunger campaign to raise money for local food banks. Typically, this includes activities like luncheons, sporting events, bake sales, and silent auctions.
While the 2021-22 campaign was far from typical, employees found creative ways to help those in need while keeping each other safe. They fully supported the campaign and surpassed their goal by raising $333,088 and collecting 8,429 pounds of food resulting in 2,338,639 meals.
"I'm always proud but not surprised by the generosity of our employees. Even with the challenges of the pandemic and the need to conduct our 2021 Harvest for Hunger Campaign virtually, we still surpassed our goal of 2 million meals. FirstEnergy's support of the numerous food banks throughout our service territory will go a long way in helping to alleviate food insecurity that many are experiencing during the pandemic."
- Lorna Wisham, Vice President
Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement.
Stepping Up to End Hunger
The total of $333,088 includes $100,000 from the FirstEnergy Foundation for the Hawaiian Island Harvest for Hunger Healthy Living Challenge. Employees tracked their steps to earn rewards through the company's Healthy Living program while raising funds for the Harvest for Hunger campaign. The Foundation donated $25,000 to the Hawaiian Island challenge effort at each achievement level earned by employees. These donations are being contributed to the largest food banks in each state in the company's service territory.
A 'Popping' Success
Another new initiative for the 2021 campaign was the Pop-the-Trunk drive-thru food collection event held throughout their service area. Employees and their families, friends, and neighbors filled their vehicle trunks with nonperishable food items and dropped them off at a participating food bank to support the event. The event yielded 6,791 pounds of food, providing the equivalent of 5,659 meals.
Since 2010, FirstEnergy employees have raised $4 million, or the equivalent of more than 29 million meals, for food pantries in the company's territory.
About Harvest for Hunger
Founded in 1992, Harvest for Hunger is one of the nation's largest annual, community-wide food and funds drives. Its mission is to collect food and funds for local hunger centers. Cash contributions are used to purchase the most needed food items. Each dollar or food item donated remains in the donor's community. To learn more, visit: https://harvestforhunger.org.