Economy International World

Food Banks in West Virginia Struggle as USDA Aid Cuts Hit Hard

April 29, 2025
sumon


Food Banks in West Virginia Struggle as USDA Aid Cuts Hit Hard

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charities across West Virginia are scrambling to feed the hungry after federal food aid was slashed, leaving them with dwindling supplies and limited options.

Sara Busse, the director of Trinity’s Table, has become a symbol of this crisis. With only crackers, vegetable soup, and dried cranberries, she still managed to prepare a meal for 40 low-income seniors.

“It’s like being on Chopped every week,” said Busse, referencing the cooking show where contestants make meals from random ingredients.

USDA Cuts Leave Charities Struggling

Under Trump’s first term, USDA food assistance grew during the pandemic. But recent cuts eliminated $1 billion in aid, undoing Biden-era expansions. The USDA claims this is a return to fiscal normalcy — but to food banks, it’s a crisis.

Food Shortages in Appalachia

Facing Hunger Foodbank in Huntington lost 11 of 16 expected food truck deliveries for April. Freezers once filled with USDA meat now hold just a few boxes of whitefish and ground pork.

Next month’s USDA shipment? No green vegetables — but 48 pounds of fig pieces.

Local Farms Hit Hard

In Ripley, farmer Aaron Simon invested $1 million in a meat processing plant, expecting food bank contracts. Orders have dropped by 80%. “This isn’t waste,” Simon said. “It’s the backbone of America.”

The Cheez-It Truck Incident

A bizarre moment of relief came in February when a truck carrying 21,000 lbs of Cheez-Its crashed and the salvageable snacks were donated to food pantries. “Most were good,” said Kim Dockus. “Just a little smashed.”

Making Meals From Nothing

Busse’s meal for 40 seniors included:

  • Main: Vegetable soup fortified with ground beef and chicken stock
  • Starch: Crackers
  • Veg: Spinach salad and dried cranberries
  • Fruit/Dessert: Thawed apple crisp from last year

Her creativity is running out, along with her savings and volunteers’ patience. She fears fewer seniors will show up if meals become incomplete.

“We get weird stuff, and we make it into a meal,” Busse said.

Conclusion: The Crisis is Real

The federal cuts are already reshaping the fight against hunger in West Virginia. While some pray for miracles like truck spills, local leaders say policy support is what’s truly needed.


🔖 Tags:

#FoodBankCrisis #WestVirginiaHunger #USDAFoodAid #TrumpBudgetCuts #RuralPoverty #TrinitysTable #ChoppedReality