United Way of Washington County, Maryland, Named One of
North America’s Top 100 Nonprofits by the PepsiCo Foundation
HAGERSTOWN, MD (February 4, 2026) - The United Way of Washington County, Maryland, is honored to be selected as one of the top 100 nonprofits across North America to receive a 2025 PepsiCo Foundation Community Impact Award. This recognition includes a $10,000 USD grant to support our ongoing efforts to create meaningful, local change through our collective programs, including United Against Hunger, fighting food insecurity in our community.
The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, launched the Community Impact Awards to celebrate and support local organizations that are driving measurable impact in the areas of workforce development, food security, safe water access, and farming. This year’s awardees were nominated by PepsiCo employees and selected for their deep commitment to the communities they serve. PepsiCo aims to support positive change for people and the planet. Social impact starts with a shared commitment. It’s not something handed down, but something built together. It grows through listening to communities, collaborating closely, and investing in solutions that support long-term prosperity.
"Since 2023, United Against Hunger has tackled food insecurity across Washington County. We are deeply grateful for PepsiCo’s support, which fuels our mission to provide essential resources and expand access by bridging the gap in food deserts through our Ride United transportation program, ensuring no community goes hungry," said Heather H. Guessford, President and CEO of United Way of Washington County, Maryland. United Way of Washington County joins a distinguished group of nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada recognized for their grassroots leadership and innovative solutions to local challenges.
“We believe meaningful change begins with listening and showing up—whether through our brands, our people, or our partners. Guided by an ambition to help create long-term impact, we work together with communities to support solutions that reflect their values and aspirations. Through the PepsiCo Foundation, we deepen our connection by being present, responsive, and focused on scaling initiatives that grow with the needs of those we serve.” said C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact at PepsiCo. “The Community Impact Awards celebrate these community changemakers and help amplify their efforts to create lasting, positive change.”
This award reflects the Foundation’s endeavor to partner with organizations that are deeply embedded in the communities where PepsiCo employees live and work. Together we aim to drive lasting impact, supporting PepsiCo efforts to give the world more reasons to smile.
For more information about the PepsiCo Foundation visit:
https://www.pepsico.com/our-impact/philanthropy/pepsico-foundation
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About the PepsiCo Foundation
The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we're focused on helping communities obtain access to food security, safe water and workforce development opportunities. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.
About United Way of Washington County
The United Way of Washington County (UWWC) serves over 92 organizations and 81,000+ residents annually. United Way fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of all residents in our diverse community. UWWC has been awarded a 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency designation from Candid (formerly GuideStar USA) and a 2025 exceptional four-star, A+ rating from Charity Navigator, both organization's highest honors. For more information or to donate, please call 301.739.8200 or visit our website at www.unitedwaywashcounty.org.