Helpful Harvest was born out of the needs revealed by COVID-19, but food insecurity is not a new problem in Monongalia and Preston counties.
The pandemic changed the game, making it more difficult for families in need – some who were already struggling before and some who were not – to find and obtain food.
State food pantries reported a 53% increase in food requests during the pandemic alone.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Milan Puskar Foundation, the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties is working to feed families even post-pandemic. The program is housed in the former hotel on Scott Avenue.
Food is dispersed from the Helpful Harvest headquarters at 20 Scott Ave., Suite D, Morgantown, with other assistance at Preston County Workshop. United Way staff, volunteers, and workshop workers give the food to area pantries and programs, which then distribute to families in need in both counties.
In addition to this work and helping to store produce in its industrial refrigerator, Preston County Workshop helped transport food through a partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Appalachian Harvest Food Hub, located in Duffield, Va., for 19 feeding programs in both counties. Along with the fresh produce purchased, that partnership also allowed United Way to receive about 500 boxes a week from them through the USDA Food Box Program during the pandemic.
The United Way purchases goods from local farms, as well as dry goods to distribute to pantries in both counties. We also distribute cleaning and baby items from Helpful Harvest to area pantries thanks to generous donations from Baby2Baby and Matthew Ministries.
The overarching goal of Helpful Harvest is to get food into the hands of those who need it most.
Helpful Harvest Food Program: Supporting Families Through Community Action
As food insecurity continues to affect families in Monongalia and Preston counties, the Helpful Harvest Food Program steps up to provide much-needed relief. With the support of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Milan Puskar Foundation, this essential program serves over 7,000 people each month, distributing nutritious food through local pantries and meal programs. With inflation driving up food prices and the demand for assistance increasing, the Helpful Harvest Food Program has become a vital lifeline.
Get Involved
With food insecurity still affecting so many families, the Helpful Harvest Food Program relies on the support of the community to continue making a difference. Here are several ways you can get involved:
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Volunteer at Distribution Events
Help with mobile food distributions or major events like the annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that food reaches those in need. -
Join the Helpful Harvest Committee
Become a part of the planning and coordination by joining the Helpful Harvest Committee, which meets monthly to guide the program’s efforts. -
Donate
Your financial contributions make a significant impact. Every dollar helps us purchase and distribute food to individuals and families struggling with hunger in our community. -
Host a Food Drive or Fundraiser
Organize a food drive or fundraiser within your community, workplace, or with friends.
Why It Matters
The Helpful Harvest Food Program is more than just a meal provider. It’s a crucial community resource that improves the quality of life for families across our region. By addressing food insecurity, the program helps alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with not knowing where the next meal will come from, allowing individuals and families to focus on other critical aspects of their lives, such as education, work, and overall well-being.
With inflation driving up the cost of groceries, utilities, and other essentials, the need for food assistance is as pressing as ever. The Helpful Harvest Food Program, supported by generous donors and volunteers, continues to meet this need head-on, ensuring that no family goes hungry in our community.
Take Action Today
Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your support will make a lasting difference in the fight against hunger. For more information on how to get involved with the Helpful Harvest Food Program, contact Helpful Harvest Program Manager Caleb Graham-Sypolt at helpfulharvest@unitedwaympc.org.
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more food-secure community!
Learn more about how we work with other agencies addressing food insecurity.
