Helpful Harvest Food Program

Helpful Harvest was born out of the needs revealed by COVID-19, but food insecurity is not a new problem in Monongalia and Preston counties.

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Healthy Food

Food insecurity has long been a challenge in Monongalia and Preston counties, but the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the depth of the issue like never before. In response to the increased demand for food assistance, state food pantries reported a 53% surge in requests—the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties launched the Helpful Harvest Food Program in 2020.

With generous support from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Milan Puskar Foundation, Helpful Harvest was created to provide a long-term, sustainable solution to food insecurity in our region. Since its inception, the program has built critical food network infrastructure and distributed food to more than 49,525 individuals across Monongalia and Preston counties.

Housed at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue, Helpful Harvest serves as a distribution hub, ensuring food and essential supplies reach those who need them most. United Way staff and volunteers distribute resources to over 46 pantries and feeding programs, which serve families, seniors, and individuals in need.

How Helpful Harvest Helps

Helpful Harvest continues to evolve, strengthening partnerships and expanding resources to better serve our community:

  • Collaborative Partnerships — Working with organizations like Mountain Harvest Farm LLC, Mountaintop Beverage, and Baby2Baby to source food and essential supplies.

  • Fresh & Dignified Food Assistance — Unlike meal programs, Helpful Harvest provides fresh produce and pantry staples so families can prepare meals at home, ensuring dignity and flexibility.

  • Backpack Program Support — Assisting Food for Preston’s backpack program, helping children access nutritious food on weekends and school breaks.

  • Sustainable Funding & Growth — Through in-kind donations valued at $2.8 million, grants from partners such as Huntington Bank, Bowles Rice Foundation, FirstEnergy Foundation, and the successful annual Spice of Life fundraiser, the program continues to move toward a self-sustaining model.

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Fresh Produce

Helpful Harvest Food Program: Supporting Families Through Community Action

As food insecurity continues to affect families in Monongalia and Preston counties, the Helpful Harvest Food Program steps up to provide much-needed relief. With the support of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the Milan Puskar Foundation, this essential program serves over 7,000 people each month, distributing nutritious food through local pantries and meal programs. With inflation driving up food prices and the demand for assistance increasing, the Helpful Harvest Food Program has become a vital lifeline.

 

Get Involved

With food insecurity still affecting so many families, the Helpful Harvest Food Program relies on the support of the community to continue making a difference. Here are several ways you can get involved:

  1. Volunteer at Distribution Events
    Help with mobile food distributions or major events like the annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that food reaches those in need.

  2. Join the Helpful Harvest Committee
    Become a part of the planning and coordination by joining the Helpful Harvest Committee, which meets monthly to guide the program’s efforts.

  3. Donate
    Your financial contributions make a significant impact. Every dollar helps us purchase and distribute food to individuals and families struggling with hunger in our community.

  4. Host a Food Drive or Fundraiser
    Organize a food drive or fundraiser within your community, workplace, or with friends. 

  5. Attend An Event
    Support our work at fundraisers and events. 

 

Why It Matters

The Helpful Harvest Food Program is more than just a meal provider. It’s a crucial community resource that improves the quality of life for families across our region. By addressing food insecurity, the program helps alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with not knowing where the next meal will come from, allowing individuals and families to focus on other critical aspects of their lives, such as education, work, and overall well-being.

With inflation driving up the cost of groceries, utilities, and other essentials, the need for food assistance is as pressing as ever. The Helpful Harvest Food Program, supported by generous donors and volunteers, continues to meet this need head-on, ensuring that no family goes hungry in our community.

Take Action Today

Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your support will make a lasting difference in the fight against hunger. For more information on how to get involved with the Helpful Harvest Food Program, contact our office at 304-296-7525.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more food-secure community!

Learn more about how we work with other agencies addressing food insecurity.