West Virginia National Guard activates food relief efforts

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard has begun to set up logistical and personnel support to mitigate the impact of the end of SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Over 200 service members have been officially authorized to be mobilized by Governor Patrick Morrisey, and they will assist communities with distributions at local food banks and pantries statewide.

The WVNG is expected to assist in receiving, sorting, packaging, and distributing food at food banks that are expected to see hundreds of requests when SNAP benefits are scheduled to end on November 1. This includes managing traffic flows, providing transportation and storage support, and ensuring each distribution takes place safely.

The WVNG has worked directly with agencies and nonprofits such as Facing Hunger Food Bank, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia 211, and the West Virginia Department of Human Services. These partnerships are expected to be fully utilized in the coming days.