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 to children and families grappling with food insecurity. The contribution, made in honor of the United Way’s 100th anniversary, doubled last year’s meal output and underscored the critical role of community partnerships in addressing hunger.
The event, held at Penn State Berks’ gymnasium, brought together 1,000 volunteers who assembled packages of macaroni and cheese, rice and beans, and flavored oatmeal. The meals were distributed by Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and other local organizations, with the Reading School District among the recipients for students and their families.
John Hawkins, president of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, highlighted both the company’s financial support and its employee involvement. “Our employees show up year after year to support the United Way of Berks County’s Big Cheese event – and this year we wanted to do even more,” Hawkins said. “To honor United Way’s 100th anniversary, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed a $100,000 grant, helping to provide an incredible 500,000 meals to children and families facing food insecurity.”
The need in Berks County remains significant. According to United Way, one in five residents struggle with food insecurity, including 25,000 children. More than 60 percent of local school-aged children qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, illustrating the scale of the challenge. Experts note that insufficient nutrition can hinder childhood development, while chronic hunger adds stress and anxiety for families unsure where their next meal will come from.
Tammy White, president of the United Way of Berks County, called the expanded event a reflection of both need and community resilience. “We are deeply grateful for the FirstEnergy Foundation’s generous support of our 100th Anniversary BIGGER Big Cheese volunteer event, helping ensure that families in need across Berks County have access to nutritious meals,” she said. “This partnership has a long history and is rooted in community spirit and impact.”
The Big Cheese event has become a cornerstone of the region’s fight against hunger, demonstrating how volunteerism and philanthropy can combine to create meaningful change for families across Berks County.
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