In West Virginia, 1 in 8 people* face hunger. That’s 217,690 West Virginians who don’t know where they’ll find their next meal. Beyond a number, your neighbor, classmate, roommate or friend could be facing food insecurity. As a state, we need $98,523,000* more every year to meet the needs of our neighbors and friends facing hunger.
According to the USDA, food insecurity is the consistent lack of food to live a healthy, active life because of a person’s economic situation.* Household food access differs based on a variety of factors including income, identity, knowledge, location and crises. Any Statler Student facing this issue is encouraged to use any of the resources below.
As a community, we can all help end food insecurity in the WVU community.
*Statistics and information from the Feeding America website, 2022.
Statler Food Pantry
Location: Mineral Resources Building, Room 309-F
Monday-Friday 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm
For more information, please contact Chris Randall
Take what you need, need what you take.
The Rack @ Statler is a supplement to the WVU Rack located on the Downtown campus, and other resources referenced below.
Any student in need can visit The Rack @ Statler Monday-Friday any time between noon and 4:00 p.m. Resources are free and available to any currently enrolled student. Students may visit any WVU Rack location once daily. Walk-ins are always welcome during the hours of operation.
Donate to The Rack @ Statler
The Rack @ Statler gladly accepts donations. Personal hygiene products are always in high demand, including period products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, and soap. Non-perishable pantry staples, shelf-stable meals, and individually wrapped snacks are also very popular. For more information or to arrange a donation, please email Chris Randall.
On-campus and beyond, these resources will support WVU students.
On-Campus Resources
Campus Food Garden: With funding from the WVU Office of the Provost’s competitive Transform This! Challenge Grants, the WVU Campus Food Garden was installed to provide equitable access to fresh produce for those struggling with food insecurity. Since its construction in late May 2021 to September 2021, the garden produced more than 800 pounds of seasonal fruits and vegetables that were delivered to food pantries in Morgantown.
The Rack: WVU Student Food Pantry: The Rack provides non-perishable and perishable food items to all currently enrolled WVU students who are in need of assistance. WVU Student Food Pantry Program aims to alleviate hunger for all WVU students and foster a healthy and inclusive community by providing access to food and programs.
WVU Food Justice Lab: The WVU Food Justice Lab is an experimental space for research and action focused on challenging food system inequalities. We are housed in the Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University and the WVU Center for Resilient Communities. In addition to working with research partners we mentor, advise and support students working on food, environmental and development issues while they pursue degrees in geography and related fields at the Ph.D., M.A. and undergraduate levels at WVU.
WVU Health and Wellness Resources: A list of dietitian-approved, evidence-based nutrition resources.
Off-Campus and Statewide Resources
Christian Help: Christian Help responds to situations of emergency and need, with immediacy and simplicity respecting the dignity of all persons in the spirit of Jesus Christ. They have served the Morgantown community since 1975 with many resources, including a food pantry.
Feeding America: Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Their mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policymakers, supporters and the communities they serve.
FreeFood.org: This database identifies several food pantries and food banks throughout West Virginia.
FoodPantries.org: This database identifies several food pantries and food banks throughout West Virginia.
Food Helpers: Greater Washington County Food Bank distributes food to in rural areas, food deserts, for seniors 60+, as well as individualized solutions for short-term needs.
Local Food Resources via WV Food Link: An interactive map highlighting various resources across West Virginia such as charitable food agencies, big box retailers, grocery stores, small box retailers, convenience stores, farmers markets, retailers accepting SNAP, DHHR offices and WIC offices.
Mobile Food Pantry via Mountaineer Foodbank: Mobile Pantries provide food to "food deserts" where food accessibility is limited and/or scarce. Mobile Pantries can provide a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods to people in need.
Pantry Plus More: The Pantry Plus More is a non-profit organization that operates free school pantries, food giveaways and health and wellness programs across Monongalia County.
WV FoodLink: WV FOODLINK is a project of the Food Justice Laboratory housed in West Virginia University Center for Resilient Communities. In collaboration with our community partners, we have developed a resource hub and learning commons to support a people-centered, resilient food network in West Virginia. More on WV FoodLink’s Nourishing Networks Workshops.