On a cold Thursday morning, cars lined up outside the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. People weren’t there to gamble; they came for essential food supplies from the Mountaineer Food Bank. Volunteers quickly transformed the parking lot into a bustling service point, filling trunks with fresh produce, meats, and other staples.
Ashley Gummer, a volunteer from The Health Plan, expected around 220 families to go through the line. Many are concerned about their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits freezing due to the recent federal government shutdown. “With SNAP benefits uncertain, we’re seeing more people than usual,” she explained. “They were lined up before we even arrived.”
Food pantries like the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling are bracing for more demand. Executive Director Becky Shilling-Rodocker said they’ll keep their doors open seven days a week for meals. “We expect to see a lot more people reaching out for help,” she noted. During previous shutdowns, SNAP benefits were usually allocated ahead of time to avoid disruptions.
The Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center is also feeling the pressure. Last month, they served 350 people through their food pantry. Assistant Chief Program Officer Dianna Bell shared that many are anxious about losing their benefits. “Our neighbors are expressing worry about feeding their families,” she said, as they prepare to buy more food to meet the increasing need.
Claudia McKay, executive director of the Ohio County Family Resource Network, pointed out that over half of SNAP recipients are families with children. “The impact of losing SNAP will be widespread,” she said. Research from the Economic Research Service shows that food insecurity can rise sharply during tough economic times. In fact, reports indicate that food pantries across the region are already seeing significant increases in requests for assistance.
The local community is stepping up. Several organizations, including the House of the Carpenter, are adjusting their services to meet rising demands. They feed around 530 people monthly and expect at least an additional 100 as SNAP benefits are halted. Director Rev. Bill Wendell emphasized their commitment: “We will feed those who are hungry.”
Meanwhile, efforts like the Blessing Boxes, which offer non-perishable food options, are also expected to grow in popularity. McKay identified these as critical resources for those facing uncertain food supplies. “We’re stocking up on canned goods and staples,” she said, underscoring the urgency.
West Virginia’s Governor has announced $1.1 million in emergency funding to bolster food banks affected by the SNAP freeze. This initiative is expected to provide some relief, but many still worry about the long-term effects of losing food assistance.
Overall, local food banks and pantries are preparing for a surge in demand. They are calling on the community to support their efforts, as the need for food security has never been more pressing. With many families relying on these services, it’s crucial to ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.
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Local News,Local food banks prepping for SNAP suspension
