Food banks provide a vital service to communities. They ensure that there is food available to anyone struggling to feed themselves and their families. The majority of these organizations rely on grants and donations to continue their programs.
Most of the area’s food banks have noticed that there has been a steady uptick in need of their services. Since the pandemic began, people from all walks of life have found themselves without an income, which has created an incredible financial strain on individuals and families alike.
The director of the Ronceverte food bank Layola Sarver said that they had been used to handing out around 97 bags at most. Now they have reached as high as 120 bags that have been given out.
As of December 10, 2020, the Lewisburg food bank has provided bags of groceries for 2,002 families with a total of 3,473 people. A total of 375 were distributed on Thanksgiving alone.
Franklin Groves, director of the Rainelle food bank says after being closed for two months, they reopened with drive-through service and lost some of their contributors. This led to them having to sign up with Mountaineer Food Bank which is a Government-run program that provides supplies to more than 450 feeding programs around the state. He went on to say that they are doing well now.
Most food banks say that they have received tremendous support from individuals as well as businesses; donations have abounded. However, smaller areas such as Williamsburg are struggling to keep up with demand.
In terms of what is needed, the Lewisburg food bank says they would like to be able to provide more paper goods. This includes items such as toilet paper and paper towels. They would also like to be able to provide fresh foods more often. Anyone wishing to donate these items needs to contact the pantry.
A representative from the Williamsburg food bank Tina Noe said that what they need most is more support. “People need to understand that with us being a small pantry, we still don’t have the backing [like larger pantries].”
Many local businesses have made substantial donations to various food banks. The Lewisburg food pantry has received donations from IGA as well as Kroger. IGA held a drive in which they filled up bags with groceries that patrons could then purchase for either $5 or $10 that would then be donated to either the Lewisburg or Ronceverte food bank. Representatives for the former said they have received well over one hundred bags. Kroger made a rather large donation of peanut butter to the Lewisburg pantry.
Sarver with the Ronceverte pantry says “I’ve been very blessed with donations as well as help …. I have no complaints.”
A representative from the Lewisburg pantry, Gloria Martin said “We are eternally grateful for all of the generous donations that people have given us.”
When asked what they anticipated going into the new year, every food bank had the same answer — an increase in need. They all anticipate more people needing food and therefore them needing more supplies.
Groves with the Rainelle pantry said their biggest hope “is a return to normalcy.”
Because it is necessary to pick up food in person, food banks have had to adjust the way they operate in order to abide by pandemic guidelines. In some cases, this means a drive through line. In other cases, it means only allowing one family inside at a time. Regardless, each pantry has found a way to keep providing their vital service.
Anyone struggling to have enough food should not hesitate to reach out to their local food bank. The volunteers and organizers running these operations are ready to help. Some pantries such as the one in Lewisburg will even deliver groceries to people who are not able to come to pick them up.
Donations of non-perishable food items or monetary donations can be made to each food bank. For more information, each pantry is available by phone and many can be found on social media.
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