Food Insecurity in West Virginia: 2025 Report
A comprehensive analysis of hunger and food access challenges across the Mountain State
Last Updated: January 2025 | Download PDF Report
16.3%
Overall Food Insecurity Rate287,400
Food Insecure Individuals21.8%
Child Food Insecurity12.4%
Senior Food InsecurityExecutive Summary
West Virginia continues to face significant food insecurity challenges, with 16.3% of the population (approximately 287,400 individuals) experiencing food insecurity in 2024-2025.
Key Findings:
- Overall Food Insecurity: West Virginia's food insecurity rate of 16.3% is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%, ranking the state among the top 10 states for food insecurity.
- Child Hunger Crisis: Over 21.8% of West Virginia children (approximately 76,900 children) experience food insecurity, one of the highest rates in the nation.
- Senior Food Insecurity: An estimated 12.4% of seniors age 60+ face food insecurity, representing approximately 44,200 older adults struggling with hunger.
- Geographic Disparities: Food insecurity rates vary dramatically by county, ranging from 11.2% in Jefferson County to over 22% in McDowell County.
- SNAP Participation: While 18.7% of West Virginians participate in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), many eligible residents remain unenrolled.
- Economic Factors: High poverty rates, limited employment opportunities, and geographic isolation in rural areas contribute to persistent food insecurity.
- Food Bank Network: Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank serve all 55 counties through a network of over 400 partner agencies.
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It ranges from mild (worrying about running out of food) to severe (skipping meals or going entire days without eating).
Overall Food Insecurity Statistics
Food Insecurity Metrics
| Total Population | 1,764,786 |
|---|---|
| Food Insecure Individuals | 287,400 |
| Food Insecurity Rate | 16.3% |
| National Average | 11.2% |
| State Ranking (1=worst) | #7 |
| Annual Food Budget Shortfall | $472.9 million |
| Avg. Cost Per Meal | $3.42 |
WV vs. National Comparison
Demographic Breakdown
Food insecurity affects all demographic groups in West Virginia, but certain populations face disproportionate challenges:
By Age Group
| Age Group | Food Insecurity Rate | Number Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Children (0-17) | 21.8% | 76,900 |
| Working Age (18-59) | 15.7% | 166,300 |
| Seniors (60+) | 12.4% | 44,200 |
By Household Type
| Household Type | Food Insecurity Rate |
|---|---|
| Single-Parent Families | 32.4% |
| Two-Parent Families | 14.2% |
| Single Adult Households | 18.6% |
| Senior Households | 11.8% |
By Employment Status
- Unemployed Households: 41.2% food insecurity rate
- Working Poor Households: 24.7% food insecurity rate
- Fully Employed Households: 8.3% food insecurity rate
Note: Many food-insecure households include working adults; employment alone does not guarantee food security.
By Geographic Area
- Rural Areas: 17.8% food insecurity rate
- Small Towns: 16.1% food insecurity rate
- Urban Areas: 14.2% food insecurity rate
Rural areas face additional challenges including limited grocery store access and transportation barriers.
Child Food Insecurity
Critical Issue: Child Hunger
West Virginia has one of the highest child food insecurity rates in the nation at 21.8%, meaning more than 1 in 5 children don't know where their next meal will come from.
Child Hunger Statistics
| Total Children (0-17) | 353,200 |
|---|---|
| Food Insecure Children | 76,900 |
| Child Food Insecurity Rate | 21.8% |
| National Child Rate | 14.3% |
| Children Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch | 58.2% |
Impact on Children
Food insecurity has severe consequences for children's development and well-being:
- Lower academic performance and test scores
- Increased behavioral and emotional problems
- Higher rates of chronic health conditions
- Developmental delays in young children
- Increased risk of hospitalization
- Mental health challenges including depression
Programs Serving Children
School Meals Programs
National School Lunch Program: 205,400 children participate
School Breakfast Program: 156,800 children participate
Summer Meals Programs
Summer Food Service: Available at 300+ sites statewide
Participation: Only 12% of eligible children access summer meals
Afterschool & Weekend
Backpack Programs: 12,500 children served weekly
Kids Cafes: Operating in 35 locations
Senior Food Insecurity
Senior Hunger Statistics
| Total Seniors (60+) | 356,500 |
|---|---|
| Food Insecure Seniors | 44,200 |
| Senior Food Insecurity Rate | 12.4% |
| National Senior Rate | 8.7% |
| Seniors Below Poverty Line | 9.8% |
Unique Challenges for Seniors
- Fixed Incomes: Limited ability to adjust to rising food costs
- Medical Costs: Choosing between food and medication
- Transportation: Limited mobility and access to grocery stores
- Social Isolation: Living alone without support networks
- Health Conditions: Dietary restrictions increase food costs
- Stigma: Reluctance to seek help from food assistance
Programs Serving Seniors
SNAP Benefits
Senior SNAP Participation: 48,300 seniors
Average Monthly Benefit: $127
Many eligible seniors don't apply due to stigma or lack of awareness
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition
SFMNP Participants: 3,200 seniors
Annual Vouchers: $50 per senior
Available June-October for fresh produce
Commodity Supplemental
CSFP Participants: 5,800 seniors
Monthly Food Box: Shelf-stable items
Available to seniors 60+ with income at or below 130% poverty
County-by-County Analysis
Food insecurity varies significantly across West Virginia's 55 counties. Rural counties in southern West Virginia tend to have higher rates, while counties near the Eastern Panhandle have lower rates.
Highest Food Insecurity Rates
| Rank | County | Food Insecurity Rate | Food Insecure Individuals | Child Food Insecurity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McDowell County | 22.7% | 3,760 | 29.4% |
| 2 | Mingo County | 21.9% | 4,890 | 28.6% |
| 3 | Logan County | 20.8% | 6,720 | 27.2% |
| 4 | Wyoming County | 20.4% | 4,210 | 26.8% |
| 5 | Lincoln County | 19.7% | 3,980 | 25.9% |
Lowest Food Insecurity Rates
| Rank | County | Food Insecurity Rate | Food Insecure Individuals | Child Food Insecurity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson County | 11.2% | 6,510 | 15.3% |
| 2 | Berkeley County | 12.1% | 14,890 | 16.8% |
| 3 | Monongalia County | 12.8% | 13,950 | 17.4% |
| 4 | Putnam County | 13.2% | 7,620 | 18.1% |
| 5 | Hampshire County | 13.6% | 3,140 | 18.7% |
SNAP Participation Rates
SNAP Statistics
| SNAP Participants | 330,200 |
|---|---|
| Participation Rate | 18.7% of population |
| SNAP Households | 178,400 |
| Average Monthly Benefit/Person | $186 |
| Total Annual SNAP Benefits | $736.5 million |
| Eligible but Not Enrolled | Est. 42,000 individuals |
SNAP Participation by Group
Barriers to SNAP Enrollment
- Stigma: Embarrassment about receiving assistance
- Lack of Awareness: Don't know they're eligible
- Application Complexity: Difficult paperwork process
- Transportation: Can't reach DHHR offices
- Documentation: Difficulty gathering required documents
- Work Requirements: Confusion about eligibility
- Recertification: Losing benefits due to renewal issues
- Language Barriers: Limited English proficiency
Increasing SNAP Access
West Virginia has implemented online SNAP applications and increased outreach to eligible seniors and working families. SNAP benefits provide crucial economic stimulus to local communities, with every $1 in SNAP generating approximately $1.50-$1.80 in local economic activity.
Historical Trends
Food Insecurity Trends (2015-2025)
Key Trend Observations
Pre-Pandemic (2015-2019)
- Food insecurity rates declined from 17.9% (2015) to 15.8% (2019)
- Economic growth and lower unemployment contributed to improvement
- Still remained above national average throughout period
Pandemic Impact (2020-2021)
- Sharp spike to 18.4% in 2020 due to COVID-19 economic disruption
- Emergency SNAP benefits helped mitigate worst impacts
- Food banks saw 40% increase in demand
Recovery Period (2022-2023)
- Gradual decline to 16.7% as economy recovered
- End of emergency SNAP created new challenges
- Inflation drove up food costs, offsetting wage gains
Current Situation (2024-2025)
- Stabilized at 16.3% but remains elevated
- Rising housing and healthcare costs squeeze food budgets
- Long-term economic challenges persist in rural areas
Food Assistance Resources
Food Banks Serving West Virginia
Mountaineer Food Bank
Service Area: 48 counties in southern and central WV
Partner Agencies: 350+ food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters
Annual Distribution: 23+ million pounds of food
Contact: (304) 364-5518
Visit WebsiteFacing Hunger Foodbank
Service Area: 7 counties in northern panhandle
Partner Agencies: 100+ food pantries and programs
Annual Distribution: 6+ million pounds of food
Contact: (304) 242-1038
Visit WebsiteGovernment Assistance Programs
| Program | Description | Eligibility | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Monthly food benefits on EBT card | Income at or below 130% poverty | 1-877-716-1212 |
| WIC | Nutrition for pregnant women, infants, children | Income at or below 185% poverty | 1-800-642-9670 |
| School Meals | Free/reduced breakfast and lunch | Based on household income | Contact local school |
| CSFP | Monthly food box for seniors 60+ | Income at or below 130% poverty | Contact local food bank |
| 211 | Referral to local food resources | None - free information service | Dial 2-1-1 |
Find Food Banks Near You
Use our interactive map to locate food pantries, soup kitchens, and other food assistance in your area.
Find Food BanksData Sources & Methodology
Primary Data Sources
- Feeding America: Map the Meal Gap 2024 (data year 2022)
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2023
- USDA Economic Research Service: Food Security in the United States 2024
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: SNAP participation data, January 2025
- West Virginia DHHR: Program enrollment statistics
- Mountaineer Food Bank: Annual reports and service data
- Facing Hunger Foodbank: Annual reports and service data
Methodology
Food insecurity rates are calculated using the following methodology:
- Data Collection: Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and USDA to estimate food insecurity at state and county levels.
- Statistical Modeling: A multi-stage regression model predicts food insecurity rates based on:
- Unemployment rates
- Poverty rates
- Median household income
- Homeownership rates
- Disability rates
- Race/ethnicity composition
- Validation: Model results are validated against Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement data.
- County Estimates: State-level data is disaggregated to county level using local demographic and economic indicators.
Definitions
- Food Insecurity
- Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.
- Meal Gap
- The number of additional meals needed to fully eliminate food insecurity, calculated by multiplying the number of food insecure individuals by 365 days and 3 meals per day, then subtracting current food assistance.
- Food Budget Shortfall
- The total additional dollars needed to provide food insecure individuals with sufficient food, calculated using USDA's average cost per meal data.
- Poverty Line
- Federal poverty guidelines set annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. For 2025: $15,060 for individuals, $20,440 for family of 2, $31,200 for family of 4.
Data Limitations
Please Note: All estimates are subject to uncertainty and should be interpreted as approximations rather than exact counts. Key limitations include:
- County-level estimates have larger margins of error than state estimates
- Data represents annual averages and doesn't capture seasonal variation
- Most recent data is from 2022; current conditions may differ
- Undocumented populations may be undercounted
- Rural areas may have less precise estimates due to smaller sample sizes
Citation Information
To cite this report:
FoodBankFinder.Net. (2025). Food Insecurity in West Virginia: 2025 Report. Retrieved from https://foodbankfinder.net/reports/food-insecurity-west-virginia-2025.php