West Virginia church hosts soup to-go drive for people who lost SNAP benefits

WINFIELD, W.Va. (WOWK) — Another West Virginia community is coming together for those affected by SNAP programs being cut due to the government shutdown.

Free soup meals were handed out Tuesday night at the Winfield United Methodist Church. The effort was brought together by Pastor Charlie Mays, who is concerned about what people have to go through during the government shutdown.

“We are all going through it, and we can’t be naïve in thinking that there are people that are not going hungry,” Pastor Charlie Mays said. “There are great programs in the area, and we’re just doing our small part to help out. Hopefully it’s well received, and hopefully we put food where it needs to be and people don’t have to go to bed hungry.”

Pastor Mays and the church are planning to make this a weekly event.

“We plan on doing this every Tuesday,” Pastor Mays said. “Even if the shutdown ends, we will continue to do this because it’s going to take a while to fill the pipeline, and get food and get the necessary money to the people who need it. We also have a blanket giveaway we’ll be doing, and a coat drive that’s been going on for quiet some time. This is just part of an ongoing effort that we’ve had for several years.”

Anyone in need of assistance can call 211 or visit wv211.org for food assistance and local pantry information. You can also contact your local Family Resource Network for support.