WVU at Parkersburg Foundation reopens food pantry to support students impacted by Government shutdown

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 20, 2025) — In response to the recent federal government shutdown and the sudden loss of SNAP benefits experienced by many local families, the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation has temporarily reopened the college’s food pantry to ensure students have reliable access to food during this period of uncertainty.

The pantry, which reopened on November 1, has already provided 231 students with emergency food boxes. Each box contains enough non-perishable items to feed a family of four for a full week, along with a recipe card showing how to prepare meals using the food inside. Boxes also include a gift card for perishable groceries or infant formula, ensuring students can meet critical household needs that extend beyond canned and boxes goods.

The pantry will remain open until SNAP benefits resume.

“Supporting our students goes far beyond the classroom. The food pantry is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure their basic needs are met so they can focus on achieving their goals,” said Olivia Reeder, President and CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. “I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork, compassion, and community generosity that make this support possible.”

Each year, the Foundation also provides Thanksgiving meal boxes to students in need. Last year, 23 Thanksgiving boxes were distributed, feeding families of four and helping students enjoy a full holiday meal without financial strain.

This year, the Foundation is expending its support: eligible students will receive both their regular food pantry box and a Thanksgiving meal box. Thanksgiving boxes include:

• A turkey
• Instant mashed potatoes
• One can of corn
• Gravy
• Mac and cheese
• Dinner rolls
• A premade pie
• Two sticks of butter

“Thanksgiving is about family — the people who give us purpose, encouragement, and love. We’re honored to play even a small part in making those gatherings possible,” Reeder said. “Our Thanksgiving boxes help ensure that our students can spend the holiday focused on family, not worry.”

The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation also operates a Student Emergency Fund, which provides food gift cards and gas cards to students facing unexpected hardship — ensuring they can stay fed and maintain reliable transportation to campus.

In addition, the Foundation collaborates with the United Way, connecting students and families to broader community resources, including extended food assistance outside of college.

“Our hope is that the support we provide fills more than just plates — it fills homes with comfort, gratitude, and the time spent with loved ones,” said Reeder.

For more information about the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation or to support student emergency initiatives, visit www.wvup.edu