WILLIAMSPORT- More than $1 million is heading to dozens of West Virginia and Maryland food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month, all courtesy of the FirstEnergy Foundation.
FirstEnergy announced the donations this week and say than $1.1 million is heading to 43 organizations, all part of a $5 million initiative supporting 140 hunger relief organizations across six states and Washington, DC.
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.
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.
Dining and Cooking