DALLAS, August 20, 2026 – Anheuser-Busch and Ben E. Keith Beverages are joining forces with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the fifth year in a row to deliver more than 30,000 cans of emergency drinking water throughout the state of Texas, as part of the brewer’s larger effort to provide 1.5 million cans to volunteer fire departments across the country. This donation provides local volunteer firefighters with vital resources during the annual summer wildfire season, rather than waiting for disaster to strike. The continued partnership builds on Anheuser-Busch's and Ben E. Keith’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, the 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be distributed to over 630 volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across 44 states.
“At Ben E. Keith and Anheuser-Busch, supporting the communities we serve remains a core part of our commitment,” said Philip Ward, Vice President of Sales and Branch Management. “Our ongoing partnership with volunteer fire departments reflects that commitment, and we are honored to help provide resources that support their preparedness and ability to serve their communities effectively.”
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.
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ABOUT BEN E. KEITH BEVERAGES
Ben E. Keith Company, established in 1906, began selling Anheuser-Busch products in 1928. Today, Ben E. Keith Company’s Beverage Division is the seventh largest independent beer wholesaler in the country and the largest in the Anheuser-Busch network. With fourteen Sales & Distribution Centers, the company operates throughout the state of Texas and distributes American beers, import beers, craft beers, seltzers, spirits, wine products, and nonalcoholic beverages. For more information, please visit www.benekeith.com. Follow us on Facebook @benekeith and on Instagram @benekeithbevs.
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are committed to earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers and making a meaningful impact in our communities across the country. 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 a dedicated network of more than 65,000 hardworking Americans across the United States who bring our beer to life.
We are home to several of America’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From our industry-leading efforts to support American farmers and our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home – 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 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 invaluable advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org