By Esteban Fernandez, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — The community of Fairmont is stepping up to ensure vulnerable residents remain fed even as the federal government stops Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments as a result of the government shutdown.
“In West Virginia, people have always had the whole, everybody takes care of everybody,” Scott Porterfield, co-founder of Respected Pros, said. “Your neighbor helps you when you need it. That’s the spirit we’re trying to bring back. And this is exactly the time we need to do that because at the end of the day, who are we going to rely on but each other?”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Monday that the federal government would not pay out SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1. According to USA Facts, 277,000 West Virginians rely on the federal food assistance program, 15.7% of the state’s population. In 2024, the state was the sixth highest state based on share of its population receiving SNAP. Families with children heavily rely on the program, with households with children receiving more SNAP benefits than those without. According to the Kids Count Data Center, around West Virginia 100,000 children receive SNAP.
Porterfield is one of several community members working to provide a safety net for the federal program after it stops Nov. 1. Porterfield is coordinating with several businesses who have expressed a desire to help.