12/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/03/2024 14:27
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Dec. 3, 2024) - 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 announced today that the Foundation awarded a $10,000 State Strategic grant to the York County Food Bank to help address food insecurity in southcentral Pennsylvania.
"Pennsylvania American Water may be relatively new to York County, but they've quickly proven that they care about this community," said Jennifer Brillhart, president and CEO of York County Food Bank. "We are grateful for their support and for the investment the American Water Charitable Foundation has made in addressing food insecurity in York County."
The mission of the York County Food Bank is to increase dignified access to nutritious food and community resources that enhance food security in York County. It serves as a central hub that collects and redistributes food to over 85 food distribution partners and programs, including fivenonprofit groups, shelters, churches, senior centers, schools, and community centers. Annually, it provides more than 2.3 million healthy meals across the county.
Every dollar donated to the York County Food Bank helps provide two meals for food-insecure York County residents, meaning the $10,000 state strategic grant will help put approximately 20,000 nutritious meals on the table of people across the York County community.
"At Pennsylvania American Water, we strive to help Keep Life Flowing for our customers by supporting the needs of communities we serve," said Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water. "Food insecurity remains a pressing and serious issue for countless families across southcentral Pennsylvania. To help address this, we're partnering with local food banks across the region and providing much-needed funding that will be used to offer direct assistance to those in need."
The funding from the American Water Charitable Foundation is part of its Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities, and supports high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water's footprint.
In May 2022, the City of York transferred ownership of its wastewater system to Pennsylvania American Water, which serves approximately 14,000 direct customer connections within the city and provides bulk service to seven neighboring municipalities. The city has emphasized that this sale is crucial for enhancing the city's infrastructure, helping ensure resilient and responsive municipal services, and supporting the city's future development. As part of the agreement, Pennsylvania American Water has committed to investing $17.5 million in system improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
Ladner noted that Pennsylvania American Water's statewide investments in water and wastewater system infrastructure, totaling $662 million in 2024 alone, are only one part of the company's commitment to providing high-quality, reliable service to customers. It also works closely with local groups and organizations - like food banks - to bolster overall community well-being and offers a robust customer assistance program, H2O Help to Others, that supports customers facing financial difficulty with annual grants, monthly bill discounts, and water-saving devices and education.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.