How Community Support Stabilizes Lives: Insights from the Mountaineer Food Bank Director – Dominion Post

MORGANTOWN — The impact of recent cuts to the Senior Food Box Program has been significant, with 600 households in West Virginia losing assistance. This includes 300 households supported by the Mountaineer Food Bank.

In the 48 counties covered by the Mountaineer Food Bank, local farmers have seen a loss of around $1.7 million in sales of fresh produce. Recent federal funding reductions have also led to a 15% to 30% drop in the amount of food provided to local pantries through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Chad Morrison, Executive Director of the Mountaineer Food Bank, expressed his concerns, noting how quickly things can change. “It’s very volatile right now,” he said. “The need, however, stays the same.” Currently, about 15% of West Virginia’s population, or one in seven people, faces hunger, particularly affecting children and seniors.

Last year, food banks and feeding programs allied with the Mountaineer Food Bank distributed nearly 29 million pounds of food. This year, however, uncertainty looms over these vital services. Morrison highlighted that TEFAP has been severely impacted by a $1 billion federal cut, which traditionally provided about 35% of the food supplied by the Mountaineer Food Bank.

Community support is crucial to help fill the gaps left by these cuts. Morrison stressed the importance of timely responses to address hunger, noting that food insecurity doesn’t wait. “We need to be proactive, as one setback can set a family back years,” he said. Families can quickly find themselves in dire situations due to unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs.

As the debate over federal nutrition programs continues, Morrison emphasizes the need for advocates. Federal programs like SNAP play a vital role; for every meal provided by food banks, SNAP offers ten. It’s essential for food security across the nation.

In conclusion, whether through community organizations or state and federal resources, finding a sustainable path forward is critical. The ongoing support for those in need cannot be overstated, and a collaborative approach is essential to tackling food insecurity.

For more insights on food security issues, visit the Feeding America website.

Source link

Chad Morrison,federal funding,food insecurity,funding cuts,Mountaineer Food Bank