Early College student and family donate 70 meals-in-a-bag to support WVU Parkersburg students facing food insecurity

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (Feb. 2, 2026) — When Early College student Myles Barry saw an opportunity to help fellow students, he didn’t hesitate. Together with his mother, Katrina Barry, a member of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Board, the family donated 70 Meals-in-a-Bag to support students experiencing food insecurity at WVU Parkersburg.

Each bag provides shelf-stable meals that can feed a family of four and is available at no cost to students.

“I have the ability to help, so I wanted to help – because that’s what you should do for your community,” Myles said. “The fact that I take classes at WVU Parkersburg made it feel more personal.”

For Katrina Barry, the donation is rooted in lived experience.

“Food insecurity is something I experienced growing up,” she said. “I remember the anxiety my family carried, even when we technically never went without food for long stretches. There were times when my parents had to make hard choices, and that stays with you.”

Barry said the decision to support WVU Parkersburg students was intentional. As a Foundation Board member, she has seen the growing need among students – particularly nontraditional students and those supporting families of their own.

“College students are often overlooked when people think about food or housing insecurity,” she said. “I wanted there to be dignified, discreet access to food and not just for students, but for the families they support.”

The idea came together after Barry saw a social media post about shelf-stable dinner kits.

“It just clicked,” she said. “Myles has had incredible opportunities through the Early College program, and this felt like a way for our family to help ensure other WVU Parkersburg students have the same chance at success.”

She added that food security is foundational to student success.

“It’s hard to care about an assignment or a test when you’re worried about where the next meal for your family is coming from,” Barry said. “These students are our community’s future nurses, teachers, welders, and professionals. If we want them to succeed, we have to meet their basic needs.”

Olivia Reeder, President & CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, said the donation reflects the heart of the institution.

“This is what community looks like at WVU Parkersburg,” Reeder said. “When our students and families see a need and step up to meet it, they remind us that education is about more than classrooms. It’s about caring for people so they have the stability to learn, grow, and succeed.”

In simpler terms, Barry said, the decision was unavoidable.

“WVU Parkersburg students needed fed. We can feed them. Morally, I couldn’t not do that.”

Meals-in-a-Bag are available now at Institutional Advancement and are free to any student who needs them.