Anheuser-Busch, a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Cutwater Spirits and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, has announced it’s joining forces with  the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the eighth consecutive year to deliver over 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments nationwide. 

The donation will prepare local volunteer firefighters with vital resources ahead of the annual summer wildfire season – building on Anheuser-Busch’s longstanding history of showing up for its communities in times of need and before. 

Across the country, over 60 percent of firefighters — typically the first line of defense in local emergencies — are volunteers, often with limited department budgets for critical supplies. Anheuser-Busch’s emergency drinking water donations allow these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared. Produced by Anheuser-Busch breweries and delivered through its extensive network of wholesaler partners, the 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be distributed to over 630 volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across 45 states. 

Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer, Anheuser-Busch said: “Anheuser-Busch is proud to periodically pause brewing beer at several of our breweries in order to produce clean emergency drinking water that is then provided to volunteer firefighters across the country. Our partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council to support front line first responders builds on our 100-year legacy of being there to support our communities when natural disasters strike.” 

Anheuser-Busch has been providing support for disaster relief efforts dating back to 1906, in partnership with the American Red Cross. With an increased focus on disaster preparedness, the company partnered with the NVFC in 2019 and, together with its wholesaler partners, has supported volunteer fire departments with nearly 12 million cans of emergency drinking water through more than 3,700 deliveries across almost all 50 states.   

Steve Hirsch, Chair of the NVFC said: “Anheuser-Busch’s water donations help keep volunteer firefighters safe and healthy during active incidents while reducing the financial strain on departments with limited resources. We’re grateful to Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners for their continued commitment to providing first responders with the essential resources needed to protect their communities.” 

Anheuser-Busch’s breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado periodically pause beer production each year to produce emergency drinking water for times of need. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 100 million cans of clean, safe drinking water for communities impacted by or preparing for disaster.