FirstEnergy Foundation Supersizes United Way of Berks County "Big Cheese" Event with $100,000 Grant

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Foundation has contributed a $100,000 grant to the United Way of Berks County's Big Cheese event, which will provide 500,000 meals to those facing food insecurity, doubling the number of meals from the previous year [2][5] - The event involved 1,000 volunteers packaging meals, which were distributed to local food banks and the Reading School District [2][4] - In Berks County, 20% of residents are food insecure, including 25,000 children, highlighting the critical need for such initiatives [3] Company Contributions - The FirstEnergy Foundation has granted nearly $2 million in the first half of 2025 to support various community initiatives, including the Big Cheese event [5] - FirstEnergy is committed to supporting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical community needs in areas served by its electric operating companies [5][8] Community Impact - The partnership between FirstEnergy and the United Way of Berks County is rooted in community spirit and aims to ensure access to nutritious meals for families in need [4][6] - The United Way of Berks County has been active since 1925, focusing on education, food security, and workforce development to help the community thrive [6]