According to WVU’s Science and Technology Note, West Virginia experiences the highest rates of food insecurity in the country. Food assistance programs are proven to combat food scarcity, and Food for Preston is a prime example that supports hundreds of Preston County students each week.
As defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity indicates a limited or lack of access to the amount of food required for a healthy lifestyle. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of food insecurity across the country have fluctuated, and West Virginia is no outlier.
In a 2023 national report by the USDA, approximately 4 million households joined the 13 million already suffering from food insecurity in previous years, an escalation reflected locally by consistent increases in need for Food for Preston’s resources. From 2022-23, the organization saw a 15% increase in demand and expects that number to continue rising as the new school year begins.
For nearly 40 years, Food for Preston has supported its community through food pantries located throughout the county and, within the past decade, student-oriented programs that target youth food insecurity.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health describes impacts of adolescent food insecurity as behavioral problems, decreased academic achievement, cognitive issues and other health concerns. Aiming to combat these struggles, Food for Preston’s Backpack Program collaborates with Preston County educators to provide over 450 weekly food bags to K-12 students in all 10 Preston County schools.
“I think feeding programs, in school and out of school like the Backpack Program, are key to helping kids get through that school week, get through that day, be healthier for it, have better communication and all around just improve their well-being,” said Food for Preston director Tammy Laney.
Food for Preston’s School Store Program offers additional resources by providing small collections of emergency food, hygiene and clothing items in some Preston County schools.
None of it would be possible without community support — over 19,000 backpacks filled annually is an endeavor made possible by the efforts of individuals, sponsors, local groups and the schools with which Food for Preston collaborates.
To get involved, community members can volunteer or make donations.
Laney emphasized the nonprofit’s appreciation for support of all kinds. Monetary donations fund pantry item purchases. Suggested donations for the school programs include breakfast bars, canned soup, pretzels, crackers and protein items such as peanut butter or canned meats.
For more information or to volunteer, visit FoodForPreston.org. To learn more about using the student programs, guardians can contact their school’s counselor.
