CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 26, 2025--
New Jersey American Water recently donated $25,000 to ten food banks across the state and held food drives at each of its operating centers, which garnered over 1,000 pounds of food in donations from employees and company partners. The company announced its pledge to donate and kicked off the food drive in late October to provide emergency relief to food banks facing increases in demand due to the federal shutdown.
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“Access to basic needs like clean water and nutritious food is essential for healthy communities,” said Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government & External Affairs at New Jersey American Water. “By partnering with food banks across the state, we’re proud to help provide relief during this challenging time and support our neighbors who need it most.”
According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Feeding America’s latest analysis, nearly 1.1 million New Jerseyans, including more than 270,000 children, are food insecure, a 65% increase since 2020. To help combat this, donations from New Jersey American Water and its employees directly benefit the following food banks:
"I’m humbled by the enthusiasm of our employees to give back,” said Schalek Downes. “Their dedication reflects the heart of our company and our commitment to the communities we serve.”
For more information about food insecurity and to locate a food bank near you, visit www.feedingamerica.org.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
New Jersey American Water employees from its Salem Operating Center, package food and essential item donations for St. John's Pentecostal Church food bank in Salem. Pictured from left: Emily Zidanic, Sr. Supervisor of Operations, Harron Jefferies, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Cameron Cagle, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Ivan Porter, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Pam Rushing, Operations Specialist, Michael Gonserkevis Jr. Sr. Superintendent of Operations, and Curt Hunter, Sewer Operator Mechanic.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Oneil Cruz had a three-run homer, his third in two games, Paul Skenes allowed one run in five innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 on Wednesday to take the three-game series.
Bryan Reynolds had a two-run shot, and Nick Gonzales added a two-run double during the ninth inning.
Eugenio Suárez had a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the sixth inning for the Reds.
Cruz went 5 for 13 with three home runs and six RBIs in the series. The power-hitting outfielder has gone deep nine times in the 19 games he has played in Cincinnati.
Reds starter Andrew Abbott (0-1) retired the first two Pirates hitters before Bryan Reynolds singled to right and Marcell Ozuna drew a walk. Cruz then connected on a 2-1 curveball that was over the bottom part of the plate and drove it 407 feet over the wall in right field.
Skenes (1-1) returned to his All-Star form after giving up five runs in two-thirds of an inning last Thursday in the season opener against the New York Mets. The reigning NL Cy Young winner allowed three hits, walked two and struck out five.
The right-hander gave up two walks in the first three innings before Elly De La Cruz led off the fourth with a base hit to right. Two batters later, Nathaniel Lowe had an RBI double to right-center, snapping the Reds’ 31-inning scoreless streak against Skenes.
Pittsburgh took a 4-1 lead in the sixth when Cruz scored after Spencer Horwitz was walked by Connor Phillips with the bases loaded.
Suárez got the Reds within a run in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run homer to left, his second of the season.
Pirates: Have their home opener on Friday against Baltimore. RHP Mitch Keller (0-0, 0.00 ERA) gets the start.
Reds: Open a seven-game road trip on Friday against Texas. RHP Brady Singer (0-0, 6.75 ERA) makes his second start.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz, left, Marcell Ozuna, center, and Bryan Reynolds, right, after hitting a three-run homer in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz, right, celebrates with Marcell Ozuna, center, and Nick Yorke, left, after hitting a three-run homer in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz (15) celebrates with third base coach Tony Beasley (27) as he rounds the bases after hitting a three-run homer in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
