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Commissioners warn of rising food insecurity and shrinking produce programs in Monongalia County
Summary
County commissioners reported cuts to local produce purchasing programs and federal produce distribution, and said local food pantries are under strain; one commissioner warned that up to one‑third of pantries could close within a year without additional resources.
During elected officials' reports the Monongalia County Commission heard concerns about declining produce programs and rising demand for food assistance, with officials warning local food pantries face growing strain.
A commissioner who attended an agencies meeting on food insecurity said the LFPA program that bought food from local growers has been "gutted," and that the TFAB federal produce program, originally scheduled for a July reduction, began cuts on April 1. The commissioner said the reductions are substantial: a recent county food distribution had only five items available and no produce or dairy products, creating acute shortages for residents who rely on pantry distributions.
The commissioner said demand for assistance is increasing and the combination of higher food costs and lower program supplies could lead to closures; the commissioner publicly warned that roughly one third of local food pantries could close within a year if conditions do not improve. Commissioners noted the county has used its own funds to support programs but said county resources are limited.
No formal county action or new funding allocation was approved at the meeting; commissioners said they and partner agencies will continue to coordinate responses and indicated ongoing concern about the near‑term outlook for local food security.
