Programs

Backpack Program

The backpack program is designed for students and children within our 12 county service area. This program is geared towards providing a weekends’ worth of food to students who rely on their school for breakfast and lunch during the week. These packs are distributed through public schools, churches, and community organizations. This program is provided in the following counties: KY-Greenup, Lawrence  OH-Lawrence  WV-Cabell, Lincoln, Putnam, Mason, Mingo, Wayne, Logan

Each “backpack” provides:

  • 4 Entrees
  • 2 Milk
  • 1 Juice
  • 2 Veggie/Fruit Cup
  • 2 Breakfasts
  • 2 Snacks

Those interested in the program are encouraged to reach out to Marissa Rymer at mrymer@facinghunger.org  to learn more.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

CSFP is a Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture to provide food for qualifying seniors. The program provides a monthly package of food designed to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income senior citizens. CSFP (also known as the Senior Food Box Program) is for seniors 60 and over who meet a set of income guidelines.

The box seniors receive on a monthly basis includes 34lbs of shelf stable items in addition to a block of American cheese. There are over 115 agencies actively distributing CSFP boxes in the following counties: WV– Boone, Cabell, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam, Wayne, & Wyoming  KY– Boyd, Lawrence, Greenup, Martin. In total, FHFB provides senior boxes to 6,500 each month!

Those interested in applying as an agency or as a senior participant are encouraged to reach out to Shane Adams at shane@facinghunger.org or Sarah White at swhite@facinghunger.org or please call 304-523-6029 ext 48.

 Click here to access the USDA CSFP Site.

Click here for the non discrimination statement.

Click here for information on the Senior Nutrition Guide from Caring.com

 

Medically Indicated Food Boxes

This program is geared towards households with one or more members who have been diagnosed with chronic diseases. Participants will receive nutrient specific foods, and materials intended to assist them in managing their illness, at no cost.

This program is distributed at locations in Cabell, Lincoln, Wayne, Mingo, Logan and Putnam counties. 

For more information, please reach out to Rebecca Short at rshort@facinghunger.org.

 

Community Supported Agriculture

This program is featured only in the summer months, wherein Facing Hunger orders local produce from Fullers Tomatoes and Clark’s produce and then distributes the produce to senior living facilities in Mason Co., WV.  At these distributions, each senior resident will receive 2 fruits, 2 vegetables, and 1 starch, with the menu changing each week.

During the Summer of 2025 we distributed locally grown produce to over 150 seniors, every week.

For more information please reach out to Rebecca Short at rshort@facinghunger.org.

 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. It provides food and administrative funds to States to supplement the diets of these groups.

This program is implemented in most of our service area and to find a pantry providing this service near you, please contact Jordan Lambert at jlambert@facinghunger.org or Ryan Hanchett at rhanchett@facinghunger.org.

 

"After I pay my rent, electricity and other bills, what's left? You know, not much for food or medicine. My children buy my medication for me so I don't go without. I'd be eating much less than I do now if it weren't for this. This is a true blessing.

– Donna, Pantry Guest

Mobile Food Pantries

Mobile Food Pantries are opportunities in which residents are able to receive a variety of food in a drive-thru fashion. The locations change from week to week and the schedule for the Mobile Pantries is located on our Facebook page under the Events tab or on our website under the Get Help tab.

Times may vary, however registration begins one hour before the distribution begins. These distributions typically run for 1 hour or until supplies run out. 

Please call 304-523-6029  with any additional questions.

 

Oh SNAP!

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that helps families, seniors, and individuals suffering from food insecurity. Do you or someone you know need help purchasing healthy foods? At Facing Hunger Food Bank, we understand the obstacles that many face, the frustration that comes along with those obstacles, and that a little help can go a long way. We now offer free, easy, confidential SNAP application assistance. Please allow us to explain the program and help you complete your application today. We are also coordinating sign up events at food distribution locations within our Thirteen-county area across WV and OH. Reach out to our SNAP Benefits Coordinator, Rachel Culbertson via phone or email at (304)523-6029 ext. 33 or rculbertson@facinghunger.org for more details.

 

Food Rescue Program

​Facing Hunger Foodbank’s Retail Rescue Program is a strategic initiative aimed at combating hunger and reducing food waste across 17 counties in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and southeastern Ohio.

By partnering with local and national businesses including grocery stores, distribution centers, restaurants, caterers, and discount retailers, the program collects surplus, safe-to-eat food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to individuals and families in need.  This approach not only provides nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of food waste.

In 2024 the Retail Rescue Program here at Facing Hunger Foodbank was able to save over 2.9 million pounds of food with the help of 31 different retailers and wholesalers spread across 158 different locations.

We work hand in hand with our partner agencies located in rural areas like Mingo and Logan counties in WV to ensure the food that is rescued from these areas stays with the people of that particular area.  The retail rescue program allows for us to immediately give assistance to those who otherwise would be more difficult to reach.

This is all possible by allowing our partner agencies in these rural areas access to go directly to the retail partner. Currently we have 57 agency partners picking up retail in 12 different counties in WV, KY, and OH.

This program is part of Facing Hunger Foodbank’s broader mission to serve nearly 130,000 people annually through a network of nearly 300 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, neighborhood centers, family crisis centers, and temporary housing shelters. ​

For more information or to get involved, you can contact Scott Thompson at sthompson@facinghunger.org. 

 

Community Resources: SNAP & Resource Coordination

Rachel began her journey at Facing Hunger Foodbank in 2023. Her role is to create a successful outreach program that would provide purchasing power to our neighbors in need. As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Coordinator, she found great success, but felt that there was a greater need.  With the help of organizations such as Catholic Charities, The Reach Initiative, and The WV Coalition to End Homelessness, Rachel has been able to obtain certifications that allow her to offer not only SNAP application assistance and referrals, but much more!

Through networking, collaboration, and research, she has been able to expand her reach. She began by offering Medicaid application assistance, and provide Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) program referrals. These programs will allow her to deliver much need resources into various communities. She continues to provide additional assistance such as, Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) applications services, re-entry support, and disaster relief efforts. Case management, resource navigation, and application assistance are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Rachel’s and Facing Hunger Foodbank’s commitment to serving every neighbor. This dedication goes beyond providing immediate support—we work to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to improve their quality of life and create a healthier, more stable path toward overall health and well-being. 

To contact Rachel and learn more about these initiatives, or how to acquire help, please give us a call at Facing Hunger Foodbank (304)523-6029 ext. 33, or email rculbertson@facinghunger.org. 

 

Closing the Loop for Services

Natasha’s role and experience as a Food & Nutrition Community Health Specialist Community Health Worker, makes her uniquely qualified to help others overcome challenges and navigate complex systems to assure you have a plan for adequate food supply.

Community health workers are trusted members in a local communities served by Facing Hunger Foodbank that have a deep understanding of the needs of individuals and resources related to food supply.

In her role, Natasha serves in the critical role of connecting people with sustainable food plans and follows up with individuals, not only meeting their immediate needs.

To learn more or to receive assistance from our community health worker, call (304)523- 6029, ext. 21, or email Natasha at npotvin@facinghunger.org. 

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