As West Virginians, we take pride in caring for one another, especially in challenging times. With the federal government shutdown creating uncertainty and potential delays in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, many families are facing difficult questions about how they will put food on the table in the coming weeks. While SNAP benefits fall wholly under the purview of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Governor Morrisey, and his staff, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) stand ready to assist in any way possible.
Our department has taken several proactive steps to strengthen the state’s emergency food network and help bridge the gap created by federal disruption. We are working to release all annual funding appropriated by the Legislature designated for our food bank partners and the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, ensuring they have immediate access to the resources necessary to meet growing demand.
The WVDA Food Distribution Program coordinates direct delivery of USDA commodity foods to West Virginia’s food banks for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) (specifically designed for low-income persons over 60). Deliveries of products have already been scheduled and will continue despite the government shutdown.
Additionally, we are prepared to redirect surplus United States Department of Agriculture commodity foods that go unused by our school systems—pending federal approval—to supplement food bank inventories and reduce waste. These foods were purchased with the goal of feeding West Virginians, and we intend to see that they do just that.
The WVDA has also offered the use of its refrigerated trucks to assist the West Virginia National Guard with food distribution efforts. Working together, we can ensure that food reaches those in need swiftly and safely, regardless of geography or infrastructure challenges.
Beyond logistical support, our field representatives are engaging directly with farmers across the state to identify potential sources of excess food that can be redirected to charitable use. We are also reminding producers about the Farm-to-Food Bank Tax Credit program available for donated agricultural products, an incentive designed to reward farmers who contribute to the fight against hunger. Tax credits of up to $5,000 are available for donation of edible agricultural products raised or grown in West Virginia to food programs.
Periods of uncertainty, like a government shutdown, remind us of the importance of strong state and community partnerships. West Virginians have always demonstrated resilience, generosity, and community spirit in the face of adversity. The Department of Agriculture is proud to stand alongside our farmers, food banks, and state partners in ensuring that no one in the Mountain State goes hungry.
Hunger is not a political issue: it is a human one. Working together, we can make certain that every West Virginian has access to the food they need and deserve.
Kent A. Leonhardt
West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture
“Kent A. Leonhardt is the elected Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of West Virginia and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.”
