Sen. Jim Justice and his staff visited Facing Hunger Foodbank in Williamson on Thursday, where they volunteered as part of his Service Month initiative. The food bank gave away more than 10,500 pounds of produce to about 250 households.
According to a news release, the stop marked the 10th service project his staff has participated in during August recess.
“Being a West Virginian means understanding a simple truth: We take care of our own, and we never turn our backs on a neighbor in need,” said Justice. “No family in this state should ever have to sit down to an empty table, and no child or senior ought to go to sleep wondering where their next meal is coming from. Facing Hunger is doing the Lord’s work and helping so many every single day.”
Justice and his staff were on hand to announce that more than $1 million is headed Facing Hunger’s way for the purchase of a distribution center in Mingo County.
“What an incredible week we have had with the team from Senator Justice’s offices joining us in service to the people in the coalfields. Senator Justice has not forgotten the people here and remains a great advocate for resolving hunger for our brothers and sisters here. These distributions have allowed all of us to continue our long-standing partnership by providing for others,” said Facing Hunger Foodbank CEO Cyndi Kirkhart.
“The kindness and service support have been a blessing, and ending the week with the senator being with us was a reminder that when we work together, we can accomplish so much more,” she added.
The distribution center is expected to create 15 jobs and provide support to the 44 food pantry partners throughout the southern coalfields. A groundbreaking ceremony is slated for October once the purchase is complete.