BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) today announced the successful conclusion of its fourth annual Fall for Food Banks initiative. This company-wide effort mobilized employees across its nine-state footprint to combat hunger and support local communities.

Through a series of food drives, volunteer events and charitable donations, Essential, Aqua and Peoples employees contributed significantly to alleviating food insecurity. Key highlights include:

• Empowered 240 employees across nine states to volunteer 765 hours at 34 service events, including stocking food pantries, preparing meals, and hosting food drives
• Supported nearly 60 partner organizations through food drives, donations and hands-on volunteer events
• Donated over $250,000 through the Essential Foundation towards food insecurity causes

"Our team is deeply committed to improving the lives of our neighbors in the communities we serve,” said Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin. "Fall for Food Banks empowers us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. Together, we’re demonstrating the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.”

The Essential Foundation partners with organizations that align with the company’s mission to enhance quality of life for the communities it serves.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Essential teams for their steadfast support,” said Jeff Howard, Director of Development at the Chester County Food Bank. “During the holiday season, we serve over 3,400 families, providing enhanced meals to help them celebrate with dignity and joy. This vital work wouldn’t be possible without partners like Essential. The Essential Foundation’s generous donation will make a profound impact on our efforts to combat food insecurity and support our neighbors in Chester County.”

Fall for Food Banks is a cornerstone of Essential’s commitment to providing life-sustaining resources to the communities it serves, and one of the factors to Essential being named to Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies list for the fourth straight year. Since Fall for Food Banks launched in 2021, Essential has donated over $800,000 to charitable organizations combating food insecurity. Nearly 650 employees have volunteered 2,100 hours to support more than 150 organizations addressing this critical issue.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG) delivers safe, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve, donating more than $4 million from the Essential Foundation each year, and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 9 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

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