LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL BUILDS ON BREWER'S 100+ YEAR HISTORY OF SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES HIT BY NATURAL DISASTERS 

ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the country, including more than 58,000 cans to 25 departments across Kentucky. The continued partnership builds on the brewer's longstanding history of showing up for its communities and demonstrates its deep appreciation for the first responders who help to keep them safe. 

Across the country, 65 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 water donations allow these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster. Produced and canned by Anheuser-Busch breweries, more than 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be distributed to over 630 volunteer fire departments across 44 states throughout the summer as part of the brewer's larger effort to promote disaster preparedness nationwide.

"Our continued partnership with the NVFC and volunteer firefighters across the country embodies the rich heritage of Anheuser-Busch and our commitment and long-standing track record of supporting our communities when they need us most - because that's who we are," said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch. "Along with our wholesaler partners, Anheuser-Busch is honored to leverage our production, packaging and logistics capabilities to assist the firefighters who lead with courage to protect us every time they're called upon." 

In Kentucky, the donations of emergency drinking water will be made to 25 volunteer fire departments including West 84 Volunteer Fire Department, Robards Community Fire Department, Baskett Community Fire Department, Cunningham Fire Department, and Ledbetter Fire Protection District.

"We want to thank the volunteer firefighters and first responders for their willingness to show up and keep our homes and families safe," said Jody Stevenson, Sales Manager at Smith Brothers Distributing Co. "Your sacrifice does not go unseen, and emergency drinking water does not even begin to express our gratitude. Thank you from all of us at Smith Brother Distributing Co. and Anheuser-Busch for all that you do."

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 brewer started its partnership with the NVFC in 2019 and, together with its wholesaler partners, has delivered nearly 9 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 2,000 volunteer fire departments across 49 states.

"We're excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Anheuser-Busch to support local VFDs across the nation with emergency drinking water," said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. "This vital resource assures that firefighters are able to safely protect themselves and our towns year-round."  

Anheuser-Busch's breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Colorado periodically pause beer production each year to can clean, safe emergency drinking water to support disaster relief efforts. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 93 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 165 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 18,000 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.  

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