Governor Patrick Morrisey’s lectern sign read “Operation Feeding Families” during his press conference on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s West Virginia Office)
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has sent an additional $2.5 million to state food banks, which are seeing increased need as the federal government shutdown continues to delay SNAP benefits.
The state of West Virginia has now transferred a total of $11.1 million to the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway and the Facing Hunger Foodbank in Huntington to be distributed to food pantries and nutrition programs across the state.
“We are reviewing the situation closely every day,” Morrisey said in a news release Thursday. “At this time, it was prudent to send another infusion to food banks so they can stay ahead of demand. As the Schumer shutdown continues, we will continue to work to ensure no one goes hungry.”
The federal government was closed for 37 days, resulting in SNAP benefits being delayed and federal employees not receiving pay.
Democrats in Congress have repeatedly voted against emergency funding bills to reopen the government because they want a guarantee that certain health care subsidies will be extended and funded. Republicans don’t want those subsidies included, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
If they do expire, West Virginia residents would be particularly affected, with thousands potentially losing their health insurance. For others, premiums could rise by an average of 133%.
Morrisey said the state would transfer $14.1 million to food banks and then call the Legislature into a special session to provide additional funding if needs exceed that amount. He has also asked West Virginia residents and businesses to match the amount provided by the state through donations Faced with hunger And Mountaineer Food Bank.
The governor has directed the West Virginia National Guard to continue supporting food banks, pantries and other programs through logistics and distribution efforts.
“We stand ready to support our state partner agencies, local food banks and nonprofit organizations with critical logistical support to help West Virginia families and individuals experiencing food insecurity,” Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, said in the release.
About 275,000 — nearly one in six — West Virginia residents rely on SNAP.
The Trump administration initially refused to utilize emergency funds to pay the benefits during the closure. The benefits would have been granted on November 1st. Thereafter Two courts ordered the administration to do soThe The White House announced that it would partially fund benefits during the month of November.
In court filings Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, said benefits would be cut by about 35%, a smaller cut than originally estimated. according to the States Newsroom report.
State officials have not provided a timeline for when West Virginians might receive their benefits.
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