Food for Preston has fulfilled the nutritional needs of Preston County since 1985, currently feeding over 18,000 people annually.
With 10 food pantries located throughout Preston County, Food for Preston provides aid to over 1,500 people each month. During the holidays, the group reports a 6%-8% increase in the number of people served. It’s predicted this number will be even higher this year due to inflation.
Food for Preston’s backpack program provides food to more than 350 Pre-K-12th grade students across Preston County annually. That’s around 16,800 backpacks a year.
Similarly, Food for Preston’s school store program offers not only food, but also clothing and hygiene items to students.
Food for Preston also partners with the Mountaineer Food Bank, a mobile food pantry that travels to provide food across the state. The Mountaineer Food Bank served 500 families in Preston County last month.
Donations to Food for Preston support these efforts and go directly to the community.
Monetary donations pay for pantry food and grocery store vouchers. Food donations are also appreciated, with protein items donated least often and always needed, including peanut butter, canned meats, canned fish and canned or dry beans.
Volunteering your time is another way to support Food for Preston, whether this be hosting a food drive, volunteering at a Preston County food pantry, or volunteering for one of the group’s programs.
Due to an increase in need during the holidays, Food for Preston appreciates any support the community can offer.
“The best thing about working for Food for Preston is seeing our pantries, programs and so many different people, churches, schools and businesses all working together to fight hunger in Preston County,” said Food for Preston coordinator Tammy Laney. “Every dollar makes a difference as we all work together to fight hunger in Preston County.”
Visit Food for Preston’s website at foodforpreston.org or call 304-379-3519 for more information on donating or volunteering.
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