West Virginia Sends Additional $2.5 Million to Support Food Banks Amid Federal Government Shutdown

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that the state of West Virginia has sent an additional $2.5 million to support its food banks and pantries, bringing the total emergency food assistance to $8.6 million. This move comes as nearly 270,000 West Virginians will not receive new SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown. Governor Morrisey expedited $1.1 million in funds to the food banks last week and authorized an additional $5 million on Tuesday. The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) is activating service members to assist communities with logistical and personnel support at local food banks and pantries across the state.

Key Takeaways:

• The state of West Virginia has sent a total of $8.6 million to support its food banks and pantries to provide emergency food assistance to those affected by the federal government shutdown.
• The additional $2.5 million announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey brings the total amount of emergency food assistance to $8.6 million.
• Nearly 270,000 West Virginians will not receive new SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown.
• The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) is activating service members to assist communities with logistical and personnel support at local food banks and pantries across the state.
• Governor Morrisey has called upon residents, businesses, churches, and community organizations to donate directly to Facing Hunger Food Bank and Mountaineer Food Bank.
• The WVNG's mission includes assisting with receiving, sorting, packaging, and distributing food; managing traffic and crowds; providing logistical support (transportation and storage); and ensuring safe, orderly, and dignified distribution.
• Donation links have been provided for direct contributions to Facing Hunger Food Bank and Mountaineer Food Bank, with donations split evenly between both organizations.

Statistics:

• $8.6 million: Total emergency food assistance sent by the state of West Virginia to support its food banks and pantries.
• $2.5 million: Additional funds announced by Governor Patrick Morrisey to support food banks.
• $1.1 million: Amount of funds expedited by Governor Morrisey to the food banks last week.
• $5 million: Amount of funds authorized by Governor Morrisey for local food banks on Tuesday.
• 270,000: Number of West Virginians who will not receive new SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025.

Sources:

• "Governor Morrisey Announces Additional $2.5 Million to Support West Virginia's Food Banks and Pantries Amid Federal Government Shutdown"
• Governor Patrick Morrisey's official statement
• West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) official statement