BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Thousands of West Virginians lost access to SNAP benefits over the past several months. Community organizers have pulled together in an attempt to meet people where they are.
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SNAP recipients have faced expanded work reporting requirements since the passage of President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act. Since then, 15,000 West Virginians have lost access to benefits, according to information from the Department of Human Resources.
With thousands of former recipients still in need, much of the burden fell to volunteers at local food pantries. Though the pantries themselves often lack the funding and equipment to offer help to everyone who needs it.
“We’ve spoken with the managers and seen the pantries themselves. We find that a lot of pantries are lacking things like freezers and refrigerators,” explained Marlie Raney, an FSC Extension Educator who was part of a needs-assessment conducted by West Virginia State University. “The lack of funding that the pantries are receiving, it trickles down and it affects the nutrition of everyday people.”
Along with a decrease in benefits, West Virginians have been navigating rising costs for essential items like gas, utilities, and of course groceries. Local organizers said volunteering and connecting with providers on the community level can go a long way to addressing food insecurity in your area.
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“The more that we collaborate as community agencies, as a community as a whole, to get the information out to provide the resources and meet people where they are, the more we can better Raleigh County and provide what is needed for our residents,” said Raleigh County Healthy Families Director, Amie Vandevender.
Estimates showed that roughly five million people lost their SNAP benefits since the passage of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. To get involved or find assistance in your area, you can contact the Department of Human Services or dial 2-1-1 for more information.
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