Check presentation recognizes a $20,000 American Water Charitable Foundation grant and employee volunteer efforts benefiting neighbors facing hunger
DAVENPORT, Iowa, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iowa American Water and River Bend Food Bank celebrated their ongoing partnership with a check presentation recognizing a $20,000 State Strategic Impact grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. The grant supports River Bend Food Bank’s All Hands on Deck program and helps provide nutritious food to children, adults and seniors experiencing food insecurity across the region.
Iowa American Water President Brad Nielsen and External Affairs Manager Jackie Kleppe joined leaders from River Bend Food Bank to celebrate a $20,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. The funding helps advance the food bank’s mission of addressing hunger and supporting individuals and families in the communities Iowa American Water proudly serves.
“This generous support from the American Water Charitable Foundation will help River Bend Food Bank provide more meals to children, adults, and seniors facing hunger across our region,” said Nikki Habben, Interim President & CEO of River Bend Food Bank. “We’re grateful for their continued partnership and for the Iowa American Water employees who give their time to work alongside us in helping our neighbors.”
In addition to the Foundation grant, 43 Iowa American Water employees volunteered during two All Hands on Deck food-packing events, preparing 600 food boxes that provided approximately 6,000 meals for neighbors in need.
“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to the health, stability and well-being of every community,” said Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water. “At Iowa American Water, we believe being a trusted community partner means helping address essential needs beyond the water and wastewater services we provide each day. We are proud to support River Bend Food Bank as it works to help ensure children, families, seniors, among others, have the resources they need to thrive.”
The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the 2026 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations that are making a meaningful difference for people and communities across Iowa,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation.
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 90 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.
SOURCE American Water
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