American Water: Its Evolving Mission and What It Means For Us

Title: American Water's "Double Bottom Line": Can Utilities Solve Hunger While Fixing Pipes?

Okay, folks, let's talk about something that hit me right in the feels. We often think of utility companies as these monolithic, faceless entities – you know, the ones sending us bills and occasionally digging up the street. But what if they could be more? What if they could actively combat hunger while, yes, still fixing those pesky pipes?

The news coming out of New Jersey American Water is giving me serious hope. They recently donated $25,000 to food banks across New Jersey and, get this, their employees and partners chipped in with over half a ton of food! That's a thousand pounds of groceries heading to families in need. I mean, come on, how awesome is that? New Jersey American Water Donates $25,000 and 1,000 Pounds of Food Through Statewide Food Drive for New Jersey Food Banks

A New Kind of Corporate Responsibility?

Kimberly Schalek Downes, VP at New Jersey American Water, said it best: "Access to basic needs like clean water and nutritious food is essential for healthy communities." It’s a simple statement, but it speaks volumes. It's about recognizing that a company's responsibility goes beyond just providing a service; it's about being an active, caring member of the community.

And the need is definitely there. The stats are frankly, sobering. Nearly 1.1 million New Jerseyans are food insecure – that's a 65% jump since 2020! It's easy to get lost in numbers, but remember those are real people, real families, struggling to put food on the table.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: "Okay, Dr. Thorne, that's a nice PR move, but does it really make a difference?" And it’s a fair question. Is this just a drop in the bucket? Maybe. But here's where I see the potential for a real paradigm shift. It's not just about the money or the food – it's about the mindset. It’s about a utility company recognizing its role in addressing a fundamental societal problem. Think of it like the early days of the internet. Some people saw it as a toy, while others saw the potential for a global revolution in communication and information.

And it’s not just New Jersey American Water making moves. Aqua Illinois is merging with American Water, and officials are saying the merger will lead to an expanded set of resources to help solve water and wastewater challenges for existing and new customers and communities. Andy Price, area manager for Aqua Illinois’ East Central Division, says that customers probably won’t realize anything has changed other than the name on the mailings. Officials: Name to be Only Big Change in Merger of Aqua Illinois Parent, American Water

But here's the thing: what if this merger isn't just about streamlining operations? What if it's about creating a larger, more powerful entity that can address these broader community needs on an even grander scale? What if this merger, which can combine best practices, knowledge, and skills, can also find new ways to invest in infrastructure renewal, resiliency, water quality, technology and growth projects?

This reminds me of the early days of renewable energy. People scoffed, saying it was too expensive, too unreliable. But now, look at how far we've come! Renewable energy is not only viable but is becoming increasingly cost-effective and essential for our future. This could be the same kind of trajectory for utilities and social responsibility.

Imagine a future where utility companies are not just providers of essential services but also active participants in solving our biggest social challenges. They could partner with local farms to provide fresh produce to food banks, invest in community gardens, or even create job training programs for people facing food insecurity. The possibilities are endless!

Of course, this raises some important questions. How do we ensure that these initiatives are truly effective and not just PR stunts? How do we balance the need to address social issues with the core mission of providing affordable and reliable services? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we hold these companies accountable for their commitments?

These are tough questions, no doubt. But I believe that with the right leadership, the right policies, and a healthy dose of public pressure, we can create a system where utility companies are a force for good in our communities. When I saw New Jersey American Water employees packing food donations, I honestly just sat back in my chair, speechless. It’s the kind of breakthrough that reminds me why I got into this field in the first place.

Utilities: The Unsung Heroes of a Healthier Future?

So, can utilities solve hunger while fixing pipes? I don't know for sure. But I do know that the potential is there. And that's enough to give me hope. Let's keep pushing, keep innovating, and keep demanding more from the companies that serve us. The future of our communities may depend on it.