American Water Foundation’s 2024 Food Insecurity Donations Exceed $135K Empowering Impact
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water have made significant strides in addressing food insecurity. In 2024, the two organizations donated a combined total of $135,250 to 12 Food Insecurity across Pennsylvania, nearly tripling the $46,150 contributed in 2023. This substantial increase underscores their commitment to supporting the communities they serve.
“Pennsylvania American Water takes great pride in supporting the needs of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Gary Lobaugh, the company’s director of government and external affairs. “Our partnerships with local food banks allow us to provide impactful contributions in an effort to address food insecurity, and they align well with other resources we provide, like our H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, which offers grants and monthly discounts to disadvantaged customers who qualify.”
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue nationwide, and Pennsylvania American Water has taken proactive measures to combat it. Throughout the year, the company made contributions to food banks, prioritizing organizations that directly support individuals and families within its service areas. Beyond financial contributions, Pennsylvania American Water encourages its employees to volunteer at local food banks, fostering a culture of community engagement and support.
The organizations that received financial support in 2024 include:
- ACLAMO, Montgomery County
- Bread Basket of NEPA, Lackawanna County
- Chester County Food Bank, Chester County*
- Commission on Economic Opportunity, Luzerne County*
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County*
- Greater Washington County Food Bank, Washington County
- Helping Harvest, Berks County
- Indiana County Community Action Agency, Indiana County*
- Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, Dauphin County*
- Rainbow Kitchen Community Services, Allegheny County
- The Caring Cupboard, Dauphin County
- York County Food Bank, York County*
(*Funding provided in part, or in full, by the American Water Charitable Foundation.)
The impact of these contributions has been significant. Kathy Anderson-Martin, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, highlighted the growing need for food assistance in the community. “This year our 200 nonprofit partners reported that they provided food assistance to 332,000 people in need. That’s a 60% increase from the beneficiary statistics they reported last year,” she explained. “Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania is able to provide food and resources to our agencies free of charge so they can respond to these increasing needs. We can do that thanks to the financial support of partners like the American Water Charitable Foundation, a small army of volunteers, friends, and other donors who help us in many and diverse ways.”
Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, also expressed her pride in the partnership. “The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with Pennsylvania American Water and support their commitment to local food banks throughout the state. This initiative aligns with our strategic focus on communities, ensuring we get dollars to where they are needed most,” she said.
The funding from the American Water Charitable Foundation was distributed through the Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program’s State Strategic Impact grant. These grants are designed to support high-impact projects and initiatives that enrich local relationships and strengthen the communities served by American Water.
In addition to addressing food insecurity, Pennsylvania American Water remains dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of tap water over bottled water. By promoting the safety, reliability, and affordability of tap water, the company encourages customers to “trust the tap.” This initiative not only helps customers save money but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the use of single-use plastics. A recent video released by the company highlights these benefits and underscores their commitment to both community well-being and environmental stewardship.
The efforts of Pennsylvania American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation reflect a comprehensive approach to community support. By addressing immediate needs like food insecurity while also promoting long-term sustainability initiatives, these organizations are making a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Their 2024 contributions are a testament to their dedication to improving lives and fostering stronger, healthier communities.
