State Further Funds Food Banks With $2 Million As End To Federal Shutdown Looms

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Monday that he authorized sending an additional $2 million to the food banks because it remains unclear when the government will be open and he wants to make sure that no one goes hungry. That brings state spending on nutritional support to more than $13 million during the 41-day federal government shutdown.

Morrisey said current funds will suffice until at least Nov. 17. 

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.

Morrisey reiterated he is prepared to call a special session if more money is needed. 

“If I need to call the legislature back in – and I’ll probably know in the next 24 to 36 hours – I won’t be afraid to do it,” Morrisey said. “But if the government’s going to be open again this week, that should address a lot of the outstanding issues.”

In the meantime, he urged anyone in need of food to call 211 to engage with volunteers and the West Virginia National Guard.

“That’s the best way we’ve been told right now, and we’ve had over 200 guardsmen that have been working so hard,” Morrisey said. “They’re doing unbelievable work. I can’t say enough good things about them. There are a lot of volunteers at these food pantries and within the food bank. There are a lot of different ways we can help people in need, and that’s why I encourage people if there is an issue, if someone is food deprived, please call 211, let us know.”

At the end of October, the governor authorized the activation of 200 or more service members in State Active Duty status to support food bank efforts. The West Virginia National 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.