Governor Patrick Morrisey announces the state will donate an additional $2.5 million to the state’s two food banks on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of West Virginia Governor’s Office Patrick Morrisey)
Gov. Patrick Morrisey probably thought he was doing something good to aid people who won’t receive their SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The state had determined 13 million dollars That “came out of the COVID era and was sitting there” so it could donate to the state’s two food banks, he said. However, instead of just giving that money to food banks, he “encouraged” residents to donate money as well and said the state would match the funding up to $13 million.
“West Virginians have shown a history of pulling together in times like these,” Morrisey said. “We care about our neighbors. We roll up our sleeves. We get things done. That’s why today I’m calling on everyone in West Virginia – individuals, families, businesses, people who care for those in need in our state – to stand up.”
“We want to come together and help those people who need this support or don’t have access to their SNAP benefits.”
Yes, West Virginians come together when we has water been poisoned and floods have destroyed homes. We come together when natural disasters and chemical accidents occur. And I’m sure there are great people who are already donating and will continue to do so, even after the state has helped. Such people are already helping to fill our food banks.
But why is he asking taxpayers to donate more money to release the money we’ve already paid in taxes? Why is he holding our money hostage?
Helping the hungry shouldn’t be treated like a fundraiser.
The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy sent one out Action alert last week they said that while they applaud Morrisey’s provision of additional funding, “food banks cannot replace the nearly $50 million” in SNAP funds that aid feed approximately 275,000 West Virginians – that’s 16% of our population.
Who does Morrisey think will donate? The 275,000 people who utilize SNAP benefits? Or the approximate one 22,900 federal employees Who is currently working without pay?
During previous closures, the Department of Agriculture used funds to keep SNAP running, but had failed to do so refused to do so So this time the states are in a tough situation. To be fair, Morrisey isn’t the only governor to ask his constituents for aid since then The federal shutdown threatened funding for federal food aid programs. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, activated his state’s disaster relief fund, which is normally used for hurricanes and floods. He said the state legislature must reconvene to utilize the state’s excess tax revenue and reserves. But other governors, Democrats and Republicans, are managing to endure more proactive approach.
California has allocated $80 million in state funding, and in Minnesota the state will redirect $4 million to food pantries.
Nevada will transfer $38.8 million to its food banks, and Louisiana will utilize $150 million a month to continue providing SNAP benefits to its residents.
In New York, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said she will “accelerate” $30 million in federal emergency food aid to supplement SNAP benefits.
In Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, meaning the commonwealth can utilize its own funds to temporarily pay for SNAP benefits.
While food banks are a wonderful resource, a reader emailed us and mentioned a downside.
““I don’t mean to be ungrateful, but food banks provide a lot of nutritionally unhealthy food,” they wrote. “SNAP benefits allow me to choose wisely.”
On October 23rd, Morrisey announced In anticipation of the delayed SNAP benefits, he transferred $1.1 million to the state’s food banks. On Wednesday he has Posted on X that the state has provided an additional $5 million to food banks to prepare for the Nov. 1 deadline. Then on Friday, he announced that the state was providing an additional $2.5 million, bringing the total to $8.6 million — more than half of the $13 million available.
But maybe some from the state $338 million surplus could aid temporarily fund some SNAP benefits. Or some of them $1.39 billion in the Rainy Day Fund? The state has used the money in the past to aid with flood relief, so why not stop hunger?
Morrisey, asked if the state would provide the entire amount if private donors didn’t come up with $13 million, posted his reply to X.
“We believe we will provide the entire $13 million regardless of how much private sector dollars come in, unless the government opens immediately and the money is not needed. But we really want to stretch those state funds and raise private sector donations to create a much larger cushion for people in need. If a portion of the state’s $13 million is matched, that will bring much more help to people who are going hungry for an extended period of time. 20 to.” $25 million will provide benefits to people for several weeks.”
This money is already not being used and food banks always rely on donations. It is not possible to donate more to a food bank than necessary.
West Virginia is already an unhealthy state. Food insecurity – the worry that food will run out before there is money for more – can have real consequences medical problemsHow diabetes and high blood pressure. Research has found a link between food insecurity and delayed development in children, as well as asthma, anemia, hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression. A study found that food insecurity in pregnancy is associated with medical complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and NICU admission.
Ensuring West Virginia’s food banks are adequately stocked is the least you can do, Governor. Ask them how much money they need each week and find out the money. Don’t let West Virginians starve.
