Trending
PARSONS -- The Augusta Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to two separate food bank charities in Tucker County.
The Foundation presented $25,000 each to the Tucker County Family Resource Network and the Blackwater Ministerial Association during a ceremony at the Tucker FRN offices in Parsons.
"Food insecurity is becoming more of a problem in Tucker County and these two organizations are doing incredible work at the local level," said Katy White, a director with the Augusta Family Foundation. "These organizations know the families, they know the needs, and they stretch every dollar to make sure people don't go hungry."
The donations came at a critical time for Tucker County, a Foundation press release states, as "families are struggling to access healthy, affordable food amid rising costs and limited grocery options. Both organizations will use the funds to fortify their food distribution programs and expand support to households in need."
"This kind of investment doesn't just buy food – it buys hope," said Kevin White, Director of the Tucker County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "These dollars will help stabilize families, strengthen community partnerships, and make sure that no child in Tucker County goes to bed hungry."
According to America's Health Rankings, West Virginia ranks second in the nation for high rates of food insecurity, with only 62% of children living in households that can consistently afford nutritious meals -- well below the national average of 70%.
In Tucker County, "the problem reflects a broader rural crisis that has intensified over the past year. Mobile food distributions regularly serve hundreds of families, while local pantries and volunteer groups struggle to keep shelves stocked," the release states.
The Tucker County Family Resources Network is a nonprofit organization composed of family, community, and organizational representatives dedicated to improving quality of life across the county.
Among its many efforts is the "Backpack Buddies" program, which provides take-home food for schoolchildren during evenings and weekends, as well as other family-centered projects designed to meet basic needs and foster community well-being.
"Over the past year, we've seen a real increase in the number of families using our services. A donation like this helps tremendously. We'll stretch it as far as we can and make it last as long as possible," said April Miller, executive director of the Tucker County FRN. "This gift will allow us to keep our shelves stocked and 'Backpack Buddies' running strong through the winter months."
For more information about the Tucker County FRN, visit www.tuckercountyfrn.com
The Blackwater Ministerial Association, Inc. is a West Virginia nonprofit operated by more than two dozen volunteers who assist with monthly food distributions and ongoing donation drives. Its mission is to provide food and support services to those in need throughout Tucker County.
Partner churches include St. John's Lutheran Church, Blackwater Charge of the United Methodist Church, Flanagan Hill Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Canaan Valley Baptist Church, Dryfork Assembly of God, Harman Presbyterian Church, and Thomas Presbyterian Church.
"BMA is blessed to be able to use this generous donation to support our mission, which is addressing the needs of the people we serve in Davis, Thomas, and surrounding communities," said Tom Kucer of the Blackwater Ministerial Association. "With Augusta's generosity, we'll be able to make sure families in Tucker County have food on the table."
For more information on BMA, visit www.blackwaterministerial.org
The Augusta Family Foundation funds projects that meet basic needs and expand opportunity, with a focus on programs that strengthen West Virginia communities. For more information, visit www.augustawv.org.