MORGANTOWN, W,Va. – Food programs operated by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties touched thousands of households during 2023, according to the 2023 Annual Report.
Food and hunger issues generated the third-most calls for help to WV 211. The free and confidential method allows residents in need to access services across the region.
A total of 90 volunteers participated in the Holiday Toy and Food Distribution events. The volunteers distributed food to more than 1,300 people, including 731 children, and gifts were given to more than 1,100 others. More than 300 households with seniors or the disabled also received food.
The Helpful Harvest program operated by Hazel’s House of Hope distributed $50,000 every month to food pantries and programs through the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust. In the two-county area, the program provided food for nearly 7,300 people and leveraged more than $1 million in items like fresh produce, hygiene items, diapers, and cleaning products.
Through the Mobile Food Pantry program, nearly 10,000 people received food boxes. The largest Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry is operated in Preston County.