MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Donations to Monongalia County nonprofits have resulted in an increase in food distributions ahead of the official start of the holiday season.
Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced during the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday that Pantry Plus More will expand on food distributions for the holiday season with at least one weekend distribution taking place per week for the rest of the year. Bloom spoke as executive director for the nonprofit, where he reported that donations were received both within the county and from places across the world.
“I just want to explain how great this community is with the food insecurity,” said Bloom. “We have been getting an extreme amount of donations, and speaking as part of the Pantry Plus war, there will be a food distribution every weekend, once every week.”
According to Bloom, donations were kicked into high gear over the past month through a combination of donations from around Monongalia County and even some sent from abroad. This includes donations from former county residents who live in various parts of Europe that were supported through a Pantry Plus More online hub. All the items and funds received were directly used to help those in need within Mon County.
“We are receiving now donations from individuals across the pond, from Italy, Germany, and Sicily.”
For those who donated, whether it was from across the globe or just a short drive around the Morgantown area, Bloom reported a level of community participation that was needed in the most dire times for nonprofits. This was emphasized by organizations like Pantry Plus More and the United Way of Mon and Preston Counties, who each reported increases in requests for food that were double, and in some cases, triple in comparison to years past. Efforts that were more than recognized on a local level, even with donations from people who no longer live in the area.
“Their comments were this, ‘Even though we moved physically away from Monongalia County, we are still part of Monongalia County,” said Bloom on what was said by people who donated from overseas. “For Thanksgiving, that was a great comment.”
With the expansion of food distributions, Bloom expressed appreciation for the community members that took part in donations over a near two-month period. The need for donations was amplified during the over-month-long period where SNAP benefits were discontinued as a result of the federal government shutdown, the longest in American history. With the expectation that the trend of requests will be ongoing heading into 2026, Bloom expressed appreciation for the community involvement.
“For Thanksgiving, that was a great comment, so I just want to thank everyone, and we will get through this,” said Bloom.