Anheuser-Busch Delivering 2.5 Million Cans of Emergency Drinking Water to Local Fire Departments

June 27, 2023

Expanded partnership with National Volunteer Fire Council builds on 30-year commitment to disaster relief efforts

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 to crises, such as wildfires, as well as long incidents 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 across 48 states beginning this week, with a goal of reaching more than 1,000 departments 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 struggle to find the budget and resources to purchase this necessity. These emergency water donations are an essential resource to local fire departments to help prepare 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 wholesale partners and the 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. Since launching this collaboration with the 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 the 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.

Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program at www.nvfc.org/water.

About Anheuser-Busch
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 160 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 19,000 colleagues across the United States.

We are home to several of America’s most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.