As of this month, the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties now offers assistance to Morgantown residents who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need of food.
In a July 1 Facebook post made by the United Way, the organization’s local chapter indicated that the City of Morgantown and the United Way of Mon and Preston Counties have partnered to provide Morgantown residents in need with relief courtesy of the CARES Act.
The funds were made available to the United Way and the City of Morgantown through a Community Development Block Grant, according to the post.
The United Way of Mon and Preston Counties website stated that the food initiative is actually its own program, referred to as the City of Morgantown CARES Assistance Program. The goal of the program is to help Morgantown families and residents who have been impacted by or suffered hardship as a result of the economic recession caused by the pandemic.
United Way of Mon and Preston Counties Community Impact Director Janette Lewis said that the most significant impact of the program is that it chips away at COVID-19-borne food insecurity in the community.
However, by having area food pantries contribute their wares to the program and hiring community members provide the labor necessary to complete a food pickup, Lewis said the program also tackles the issue of unemployment.
The program, she said, also focuses on health in addition to food insecurity, as the United Way strives to make sure that fresh fruits and vegetables are offered through the program rather than just processed, preserved foods.
“We are serving every demographic,” Lewis said.
Interested individuals must be a City of Morgantown resident and have experienced negative financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the program.
To apply, individuals must download and complete this form and bring it with them whenever they go to pick up their food boxes. Individuals could also call 211 for information or fill out a form available on site at the food pickup location. Individuals should bring completed forms as well as a proof of address, such as a utility bill, with them to the pickup.
Food will be available for pickup on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the former hotel at 20 Scott Ave., Suite D, Morgantown 26505.
A representative of the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties was not available for comment.
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