Food bank and safety-net funding
Prior budgets under the previous governor included about $10 million for food banks. The current administration has not funded that program in either of its first two years, including after food banks were used to bridge SNAP gaps during a federal shutdown, while some legislators argue budgets should emphasize self-reliance over aid.
Should West Virginia restore state funding for food banks and similar safety-net programs?
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Sources
Del. John Williams, D – Monongalia — https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/03/16/west-virginia-2026-budget
During the last couple of years of the Justice Administration, state budgets included around $10 million for funding to food banks. Morrisey hasn’t funded that program in either of his years as governor, even after relying on foodbanks last fall to bridge a gap in benefits for food stamp recipients during the government shutdown.
House Majority Whip Gearheart — https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/03/16/west-virginia-2026-budget
I believe that our budget should, in fact, reflect our values. It shouldn’t always reflect how many people we can help... how many West Virginians can now help themselves.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Significantly expand state food-bank and anti-hunger funding as a permanent program
- Restore the prior ~$10 million food-bank funding and protect it in future budgets
- Provide temporary or emergency-only food aid when federal benefits are disrupted
- Leave food assistance to charities and federal programs without state line-items
- Cut safety-net appropriations to emphasize personal responsibility and lower taxes