In a significant move to address food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles, Mountaineer Food Bank has announced the construction of a new production kitchen at its Gassaway warehouse, made possible by a generous $1.5 million grant from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia. The partnership aims to expand access to nutritious food and provide educational resources that will benefit underserved rural communities across the state.
The project officially kicked off with a special event to celebrate the start of construction. The Aetna Better Health of West Virginia Production Kitchen is set to be a vital resource for food education, nutrition, and the preparation of healthy meals. The facility will offer cooking classes, meal prep services, and food safety training, all while focusing on providing fresh, locally sourced produce to the community.
“We are dedicated to fostering change, and this donation demonstrates our sustained efforts to improve access to healthy food and combat food insecurity in West Virginia,” said Todd White, CEO of Aetna Better Health of West Virginia. “Through this partnership, we are not just helping to feed families; we are empowering them to live healthier lives.”
Chad Morrison, CEO of Mountaineer Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Aetna. “Aetna has been a dedicated partner for several years and we are very thankful to them for joining our mission to end hunger in West Virginia. This gift kicks off an expansion at our Gassaway warehouse that we believe will be vital to providing more food options and opportunities to the 48 counties we serve.”
West Virginia faces one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation, with thousands of families struggling to access nutritious and affordable meals. In many rural areas, the lack of grocery stores and limited transportation options exacerbate the issue, leaving residents with few options for healthy food. Community Care of West Virginia (CCWV), which served as the fiscal passthrough for the donation and provides healthcare services across eight counties, witnesses the impact of food insecurity firsthand.
“Access to healthy food is essential for improving overall community health, especially in our rural areas where options are often limited,” said Trish Collett, CEO of CCWV. “We are proud to support this project, which will provide sustainable solutions for addressing food insecurity and helping families lead healthier lives.”
The new production kitchen is set to open in (YEAR). For more information about Mountaineer Food Bank and how to get involved, visit https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org.
About Mountaineer Food Bank:
Mountaineer Food Bank (MFB), located in Gassaway, WV, is the largest emergency food provider in West Virginia. Annually, MFB distributes more than 19.7 million meals, serving families, children, seniors, veterans, and individuals at risk of hunger throughout 48 counties. We accomplish our mission of feeding West Virginians and empowering communities to end hunger by working with more than 460 community partners – through a variety of programming that meets neighbors where they are – so that together we can move forward beyond hunger. For more information, go to www.mountaineerfoodbank.org