FirstEnergy, Akron RubberDucks & Foodbank Team Up to Strike Out Hunger
It takes a team effort to effectively fight hunger in local communities. That’s why FirstEnergy recently collaborated with the Akron RubberDucks and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to host a special night at the ballpark to help fill the food bank’s shelves.
Fans stepped up to the plate and donated non-perishable food items at the RubberDucks game on April 11. In return, they received a discounted ticket to enjoy spring baseball and a fireworks show that followed.
“Our food bank has seen a significant increase in the number of families seeking help for nutritious meals,” said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “The demand for food is at an all-time high, and we appreciate the community’s support to ensure we can meet that demand.”
According to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, approximately 1 in 7 people struggle with food insecurity locally. Last year alone, the organization provided local families with access to 31.4 million meals, a 16% increase from 2023 and more meals than any other year in its history.
Learn more about FirstEnergy’s commitment to responsible business and community involvement on our website.
“Teaming up with the Akron RubberDucks to support the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was a powerful way to rally the community,” said Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio. “Family-friendly events like these not only bring people together but can also help make a real difference for those facing food insecurity.”
Supporting local food banks is nothing new to FirstEnergy and its team of generous employees.
In 2024, the FirstEnergy Foundation poured $6.7 million into northeast Ohio communities served by FirstEnergy, helping transformative organizations like the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to strengthen and enrich the vitality of local neighborhoods.
Additionally, over the last two decades, FirstEnergy has raised nearly $7 million through its employee-driven Harvest for Hunger campaign to support food banks and food pantries across its service territory.