Food Banks Receive Additional $2.5 Million

More money from the state of West Virginia is on its way to both of West Virginia’s food banks. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday that he has released another $2.5 million to Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank. 

This is in response to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments and federal workers missing paychecks. The demand on the state’s two food banks has increased dramatically. 

Approximately 300,000 West Virginians receive SNAP benefits and 100,000 of them are children. That is an estimated 16% of the state’s residents.

The benefits pay for food purchases for low-income individuals and families. The monthly payments were roughly $170 for each household member – for a total of just over $565 million for 277,400 recipients in West Virginia in 2024, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The latest release brings the total distributed by the state to $11.1 million. That leaves $3 million left to spend to exhaust the governor’s pledge of $14.1 million. 

In a Wednesday briefing, Morrisey said he may seek more funding. 

“Depending upon what we hear about the dysfunction in Washington, whether the government’s going to reopen again or not, that could dictate in the upcoming days, whether we call the legislature back into session next week,” he said. 

Additionally, the West Virginia National Guard will continue supporting food banks, food pantries, and state agencies with logistics and distribution efforts. 

“We stand ready to support our state partner agencies, local food banks and non-profit organizations with critical logistical support to assist West Virginia families and individuals who face food insecurity,” said Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard.

West Virginians should reach out to West Virginia 211 to find additional help in their communities.

West Virginia 211 is a database of resources for families facing food insecurity. The program is operated by the United Way and it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

West Virginians can call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to connect with trained Community Resource Specialists.