Holmdel, N.J. – September 07, 2026 -- The FirstEnergy Foundation is awarding $1.3 million to 25 New Jersey food banks and pantries, funding expected to provide more than 3.8 million meals across the state. The grants, announced during Hunger Action Month, mark the largest hunger-relief investment in the Foundation's history.
The New Jersey funding is part of a broader $5 million initiative supporting nearly 150 hunger-relief organizations across six states and the District of Columbia. The New Jersey grants specifically benefit communities served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).
Food insecurity affects 1.2 million New Jerseyans
Feeding America estimates more than 1.2 million people in New Jersey, or 13% of the population, experienced food insecurity in 2024, including roughly one in six children. Food banks across the state say demand continues to grow amid ongoing economic pressures.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President of New Jersey, said costs are rising and food is stretching household budgets. He said the investment will help provide more than 3.8 million meals for New Jersey families, seniors and children.
Grants range from $5,000 to $250,000 across 25 groups
The Foundation expanded its New Jersey support this year to 25 organizations, including three first-time recipients: A Need We Feed, Freehold Area Open Door, and The Helping Hand Food Pantry. Recipients include the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Fulfill, Interfaith Food Pantry Network, and Project Self-Sufficiency, among others, covering counties from Sussex to Ocean.
Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency, said the Foundation has provided invaluable support as need grows among the low-income families and individuals her organization serves.
Employee volunteers added more than $1 million in value in 2025
Beyond direct grants, JCP&L employees regularly volunteer at food banks and pantries through the company's Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2025, employees across FirstEnergy's service territory contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours, including thousands supporting hunger-relief groups. Based on a national volunteer hour value of $36.14, that effort represents more than $1 million in additional community support.
Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the FirstEnergy Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across its operational area so far in 2026.