BEVERLY — Mountaineer Food Bank is pledging to “remain committed” to helping feed the hungry during the current delays on SNAP benefits caused by the federal government shutdown, including through Mobile Pantry visits such as one to 4-H Camp Pioneer in Beverly Thursday morning.

“More than 144,000 West Virginia households rely on SNAP to help stretch their budgets and put food on the table,” a Mountaineer Food Bank press release states. “When that support is interrupted, the strain falls hardest on seniors living on fixed incomes, veterans who have already given so much in service, and children who depend on consistent meals to grow and learn.

“SNAP is one of the most fiscally responsible tools we have in the fight against hunger,” the release continues. “For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine. When that system pauses, the entire network of local food assistance is at risk.

“Mountaineer Food Bank remains committed to meeting this challenge. We are coordinating with our state and local partners to keep food moving to where it is needed most, and we are calling on our businesses, churches, and public leaders to stand together in this effort. We believe in responsible action guided by compassion, and we ask our neighbors to join us in that same spirit.”

For more information or ways to help, the public is urged to contact info@mountaineerfoodbank.org or call 304-364-5518.

A Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry visited 4-H Camp Pioneer in Beverly on Thursday morning, one of its six scheduled visits to Randolph County in 2025.

“Mobile Pantries provide food to food deserts where food accessibilty is limited and/or scarce,” the Mountaineer Food Bank website states. “Fresh, healthy food tends to have a short shelf life. To make sure food gets to our clients as quickly and fresh as possible, they are transported to selected locations and distributed by Mountaineer Food Bank. Mobile Pantries can provide a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and baked goods to people in need.”

In Randolph County, the next Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry visit will be at 4-H Camp Pioneer Park on Dec. 12 from 10-11:30 a.m.

In Tucker County, the next Mobile Pantry visit will be at the Tucker Board of Education in Parsons on Nov. 5 from 10-11:30 a.m.

The next Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry visit in Upshur County will be at Way of Holiness Church in Buckhannon on Nov. 7 from 10-11:30 a.m.

In Barbour County, the next Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry visit will be at the Barbour County Fairgrounds on Dec. 11 from 10-11:30 a.m.

The next Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry visit in Pocahontas County will be at the BFD Fire and Rescue Squad in Greenbank on Dec. 10 from 10-11:30 a.m.