WV NATIONAL GUARD DISTRIBUTING FOOD BANK SUPPLIES

(03/29/2020)
Thousands of food boxes are being sent out to those in need in the Mountain State as everyone deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

Ten members of the West Virginia National Guard have been working inside the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway to help their fellow West Virginians.

"They're constantly working hard for us, working hard for hungry West Virginians here in the state. It means a great deal to have that kind of support," Chad Morrison, executive director of the Mountaineer Food Bank, said.

The National Guard stepped in after the food bank had to limit its volunteers due to coronavirus concerns. All of them are volunteers, working more than ten hours each day, five days a week.

"It means a lot to help people in need, especially in this kind of crisis, where a lot of families don't have any jobs and are very scared about the situation," Cadet Jorge Nunez said.

The boxes are filled with a variety of food, and each box will sustain a family of four for 30 days.

"It means a lot,” Naomi Hyde said. “That's part of why I joined the Guard, so I could help my state out."

The boxes are being taken to partner food pantries in 48 West Virginia counties. The state's other seven counties are covered by Facing Hunger Food Bank.

Those at Mountaineer Food Bank say the production has been tremendous.