CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — More than one in five people in some southern West Virginia counties struggle to consistently put food on the table, according to newly-released data. Advocates said the findings reflect a growing cycle of rising costs, changing federal benefit rules and limited access to food.
The latest county economic report from the Appalachian Regional Commission, paired with Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap estimates, shows food insecurity remains among the highest in Appalachia across much of southern West Virginia. Leaders at Facing Hunger Foodbank say those numbers are no surprise. They say families are stretching grocery budgets further than ever, while the food banks helping them are facing many of the same financial pressures.