
News
August 20, 2025
FirstEnergy Foundation Grant Powers 500,000 Meals for Berks County Families
READING, PA — A $100,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation has provided a major boost to the United Way of Berks County’s annual Big Cheese event, helping deliver 500,000 meals ...
Reading, PA – Hundreds of thousands of Berks County families struggling with food insecurity are breathing a little easier thanks to a generous contribution from the FirstEnergy Foundation. A substantial $100,000 grant has been awarded to the United Way of Berks County, significantly bolstering their annual Big Cheese event and enabling the distribution of a staggering 500,000 meals.
The Big Cheese event, a cornerstone of the United Way’s efforts to combat hunger in the region, relies heavily on community support and donations. This year, the FirstEnergy Foundation’s contribution has provided a critical influx of resources, ensuring that the organization can meet the growing need for food assistance. With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, more families than ever are facing challenges in putting food on the table.
The United Way of Berks County has a long-standing history of addressing critical needs within the community. The Big Cheese event is just one example of their dedication to providing vital resources and support to those in need. The 500,000 meals provided through this year's initiative will reach individuals and families across the county, offering a much-needed safety net for those experiencing hardship.
“We are incredibly grateful to the FirstEnergy Foundation for their unwavering commitment to our community,” said a representative from the United Way of Berks County. “This generous grant will have a profound impact on the lives of countless families in Berks County. It will allow us to purchase and distribute a substantial amount of food, ensuring that more people have access to nutritious meals.”
The FirstEnergy Foundation's grant underscores the importance of corporate philanthropy in addressing pressing social issues. By partnering with organizations like the United Way, the Foundation is helping to create a stronger, more resilient community for all residents of Berks County. The impact of this donation will be felt for months to come, as families struggling with food insecurity receive the nourishment and support they need to thrive. The collaboration highlights the power of partnerships in tackling complex problems and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hardship.
The Big Cheese event, a cornerstone of the United Way’s efforts to combat hunger in the region, relies heavily on community support and donations. This year, the FirstEnergy Foundation’s contribution has provided a critical influx of resources, ensuring that the organization can meet the growing need for food assistance. With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, more families than ever are facing challenges in putting food on the table.
The United Way of Berks County has a long-standing history of addressing critical needs within the community. The Big Cheese event is just one example of their dedication to providing vital resources and support to those in need. The 500,000 meals provided through this year's initiative will reach individuals and families across the county, offering a much-needed safety net for those experiencing hardship.
“We are incredibly grateful to the FirstEnergy Foundation for their unwavering commitment to our community,” said a representative from the United Way of Berks County. “This generous grant will have a profound impact on the lives of countless families in Berks County. It will allow us to purchase and distribute a substantial amount of food, ensuring that more people have access to nutritious meals.”
The FirstEnergy Foundation's grant underscores the importance of corporate philanthropy in addressing pressing social issues. By partnering with organizations like the United Way, the Foundation is helping to create a stronger, more resilient community for all residents of Berks County. The impact of this donation will be felt for months to come, as families struggling with food insecurity receive the nourishment and support they need to thrive. The collaboration highlights the power of partnerships in tackling complex problems and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hardship.
Category:
World