Food insecurity has long been a challenge in Monongalia and Preston counties, but the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the depth of the issue like never before. In response to the increased demand for food assistance—state food pantries reported a 53% surge in food requests—the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties launched the Helpful Harvest Food Program in 2020.
With the generous support of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Milan Puskar Foundation, Helpful Harvest was created to provide a long-term, sustainable solution to food insecurity in our region. Since its inception, the program has built critical food network infrastructure and distributed food to more than 49,525 individuals across Monongalia and Preston counties.
Housed at Hazel's House of Hope on Scott Avenue, Helpful Harvest serves as a distribution hub, ensuring food and essential supplies reach those who need them most. Food is dispersed from Morgantown, with additional assistance provided through the Preston County Workshop. United Way staff, volunteers, and workshop employees distribute these resources to over 46 pantries and feeding programs, which then serve families, seniors, and individuals in need.
How Helpful Harvest Helps
Helpful Harvest continues to evolve, strengthening partnerships and expanding resources to better serve our community:
- Collaborative Partnerships – We work with organizations like Mountain Harvest Farm LLC, Mountaintop Beverage, Matthew Ministries, and Baby2Baby to source food and essential supplies.
- Fresh & Dignified Food Assistance – Unlike meal programs, Helpful Harvest provides fresh produce and pantry staples so families can prepare meals at home, ensuring dignity and flexibility.
- Backpack Program Support – We assist Food for Preston’s backpack program, helping children access nutritious food on weekends and school breaks.
- Sustainable Funding & Growth – Through in-kind donations valued at $2.8 million, grants from partners like Huntington Bank, Bowles Rice Foundation, FirstEnergy Foundation, and a successful annual fundraiser, Spice of Life, we continue to work toward a self-sustaining model.
- Logistical Support – Preston County Workshop not only helps store fresh produce in industrial refrigerators but also facilitates transportation through partnerships such as Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Appalachian Harvest Food Hub, ensuring a steady flow of fresh food into our communities.
The overarching goal of Helpful Harvest is to get food into the hands of those who need it most.
