This summer, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are once again teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver cans of emergency drinking water to local fire departments nationwide. Now in its fifth year of partnership, Anheuser-Busch is expanding its reach to provide over 2.5 million cans – more than ever before – to help volunteer fire departments as they prepare for and respond in times of crisis and long incident at home. The initiative’s expansion represents a significant evolution in the brewer’s 30-year-strong commitment to disaster relief, as well its deep appreciation for the first responders who are keeping their communities safe.   

The 2.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be donated to over 600 volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across 48 states beginning this week, with a goal of reaching more than 1,000 VFDs before the end of the year. First responders rely on clean drinking water to stay hydrated in times of need; yet volunteer fire departments often lack the budget and resources to supply. These emergency water donations are an essential resource to local fire departments to help prepare our first responders ahead of time, rather than wait for disaster to strike. 

“Showing up for our communities and first responders has long been part of Anheuser Busch’s legacy – that’s who we are. We’re proud to continue building on that tradition by working with our wholesaler partners and NVFC to support our neighbors, friends, and families.” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch.  

Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding history of providing support for disaster relief and preparedness, including through its flagship emergency drinking water program and partnership with the American Red Cross dating back to 1906. Since launching this collaboration with NVFC and its wholesaler partners in 2019, the brewer has donated more than 6.4 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 960 volunteer fire departments across 49 states. 

“Emergency drinking water is critical for firefighters’ safety and ability to respond to crises at home each year,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We appreciate Anheuser-Busch’s increased commitment to supplying our nation’s fire service with this much-needed resource and for their continued partnership in keeping our communities safe.”    

“This year’s expansion will allow us to reach even more local fire departments in hard-to-reach areas of the country, ensuring that our volunteers are prepared for emergencies no matter where they live,” said Jay Castillo of Arkansas Beverage Sales. “We’re proud to work with Anheuser-Busch and our fellow wholesalers to bring this program to life, and to demonstrate what can be accomplished when we come together to find modern solutions to the challenges facing our communities.” 

The emergency drinking water is sourced from Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado which periodically pause beer production to can clean, safe drinking water to support disaster relief efforts in partnership with the American Red Cross and NVFC. Since the creation of its emergency drinking water program in 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 90 million cans of clean drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises.