State Support For Food Banks Rises To $8.5 million 

More state money is going towards supporting the state’s emergency food distribution as SNAP benefits are set to lapse Saturday. 

Friday afternoon Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced an additional $2.5 million for the state’s food banks and pantries, bringing the state’s emergency funding for nutritional support to over $8 million. 

It is estimated West Virginia receives at least $40 million per month in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Close to 300,000 West Virginians, one third of which are children, rely on SNAP benefits. Additionally more than 20,000 federal employees in West Virginia are without pay as the federal shutdown enters its second month.

“I’ve said very clearly from the very beginning that we are not going to let West Virginians go hungry,” Morrisey said. “Some people may try to politic all they want about this, but we must help our citizens. That’s the reason we’re here today.”

The governor stressed the need for private sector donations, reiterating a commitment made Tuesday to match up to $13 million from the private sector with state funds.

“The most important thing is, let’s get the federal government back open again, and I urge people to do that,” Morrisey said. “But if you’re watching right now, we still need your help. Private sector donations matter, because that ends up stretching these dollars out a few more days. So we’re really grateful for everyone who’s doing so much good work.”

According to Morrisey, this funding will drain the state’s civil contingency fund. While he said his administration is looking at other accounts and funds to find more money, Morrisey warned that many of those monies are already tied up in other projects and any further funding will require a legislative appropriation. The governor also stated his administration is acting under the assumption that the federal government will not reimburse state expenditures related to SNAP delays.

As state lawmakers meet for interim meetings starting Sunday, Morrisey expressed willingness in calling a special session to appropriate more money for nutritional support. 

“We’re going to be active all weekend, and we’re going to keep going, and we’ll probably come back to you next week as we learn more and we learn where the shutdown is, and decide whether we’re going to have to bring people into session,” he said.

The 211 hotline was once again touted as a resource to quickly direct people to local resources.

“If you have any trepidation about where you’re going to get your next meal, where are the nearest food pantries located, or how to activate services, the state has a 211 hotline that can connect you with answers,” Morrisey said. “If you’re at risk and you need to be connected with services. Please call 211, very simple, very informative.”

Morrisey also highlighted the activation of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) to support food relief efforts across the state. 

The Guard is assisting communities with logistical and personnel support at local food banks and pantries to mitigate the effects of delayed SNAP benefits due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Morrisey authorized the activation of 200 or more service members in State Active Duty status to support this effort.

Maj. Gen. James Seward said the Guard has been on the task for 72 hours, coordinating with the food banks and food pantries in the state.

“There are somewhere between 750 and 850 food pantries in West Virginia, my team is making contact with each one of them, and I can tell you there are many of them that are planning to be open this weekend to serve you,” he said. “Our goal is to have food available at least in every county tomorrow and Sunday to really bridge the gap before all the food pantries open up again next Monday.”

The mission may include assisting with sorting and distributing food; providing logistical support via transportation and storage; and ensuring safe, orderly, and dignified distribution by managing traffic and crowds.