FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2025

City of Morgantown Shares Community Development Block Grant Impact Results

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is pleased to share the results from its Community Development Block Grant (CV-CDBG) city-wide food assistance program, which provided vital support to low- and moderate-income households. The program was funded by a $500,000 grant from the State of West Virginia CV-CDBG Program through the Community Advancement and Development (WV CAD) division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, which ended on December 31, 2024.

Over the course of the 18-month program, 1,518 households, totaling 2,714 residents, benefited from the initiative aimed at alleviating food insecurity in communities across Morgantown.

Robyn Hess, the City of Morgantown’s grant writer, emphasized the importance of the partnerships formed during the program. “When we launched the program in June 2023, we collaborated with the Salvation Army, Senior Monongalians, Inc., and Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels (MOW),” Hess said. “We also partnered with Mountaineer Food Bank, who played a significant role in assembling the food boxes that were distributed to families in need. We are beyond thankful for everyone's willingness to make this program possible.”

Thanks to these strategic partnerships, the Salvation Army distributed 5,626 food boxes, while Senior Monongalians, Inc. delivered an additional 2,234 boxes. Upon completion of the program, MOW reported delivering 14,546 meals to homebound residents, all of which were supported by CV-CBDG funding.

Food boxes included a variety of shelf-stable and ready-to-eat items, canned goods, and fresh produce, with Mountaineer Food Bank supplying fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other food items when available. The program also covered the meal preparation costs for MOW, allowing for an expanded reach within the community.

Salvation Army Executive Directors Capt. Dennis and Jane Smith described their role in the initiative as one that aligns with their mission to assess needs and deliver programs that are focused on enhancing the well-being of the community. "This community is in more need than we really thought. I think it's in more need than a lot of people think," Capt. Dennis Smith explained. "I can't even tell you how many times we've had people say, 'We don't know where our next meal is coming from,'" Smith said. "Our bottom line is just helping people."

Hess expressed gratitude to the numerous organizations and volunteers who contributed to the program's success. “We worked with a wonderful group of nonprofits who helped make this possible,” she said. “Special thanks to Kathy Molnar from MOW, Capt. Dennis and Jane Smith from the Salvation Army, and Lisa Martin from Senior Monongalians for their invaluable support. Their dedication made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of our residents.”

Hess continued to extend a heartfelt thanks to all partners, including athletes from West Virginia University, volunteers from Lauren’s Wish, city leadership, and local students who came together to support their neighbors during this critical time.

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