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Contributions made to 12 organizations battling hunger across the Commonwealth
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., December 30, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water together provided a total of $135,250 in donations during 2024 to 12 food banks throughout Pennsylvania where it serves customers. Donations nearly tripled for the year, up from $46,150 in 2023.
"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."
As limited access to food is an ongoing issue, Pennsylvania American Water made contributions to food banks throughout the year, with an emphasis on supporting organizations that work directly with those in need within its service territory. The company also encourages its employees to help food banks and frequently organizes opportunities to volunteer their time.
Organizations that received financial support from the American Water Charitable Foundation and/or Pennsylvania American Water for their food insecurity efforts this year include:
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ACLAMO, Montgomery County
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Bread Basket of NEPA, Lackawanna County
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Chester County Food Bank, Chester County*
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Commission on Economic Opportunity, Luzerne County*
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Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County*
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Greater Washington County Food Bank, Washington County
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Helping Harvest, Berks County
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Indiana County Community Action Agency, Indiana County*
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Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, Dauphin County*
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Rainbow Kitchen Community Services, Allegheny County
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The Caring Cupboard, Dauphin County
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York County Food Bank, York County*
* Funding provided in part, or in full, by the American Water Charitable Foundation
"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," explained Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania Executive Director Kathy Anderson-Martin. "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."