Anheuser-Busch Donates 1.5 Million Cans of Emergency Drinking Water to Volunteer Fire Departments

May 19, 2026

Anheuser-Busch, its wholesaler partners, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the eighth year to provide emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the U.S.  In 2026, 638 volunteer fire departments in 45 states will receive a pallet of drinking water – totaling 1.5 million cans – to help prepare for summer wildfire season.

Across the country, over 60 percent of firefighters 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.

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’s water donations help keep volunteer firefighters safe and healthy during active incidents while reducing the financial strain on departments with limited resources,” said Steve Hirsch, chair of the NVFC. “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 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 3,772 deliveries across almost all 50 states.

Learn more about the Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program at www.nvfc.org/water. View the 2026 recipients here.

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.

About Anheuser-Busch
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We make the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.