West Virginia Food Pantries Struggle as SNAP Cuts Increase Demand
In West Virginia, food pantries are experiencing increased demand as thousands of residents lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to new federal rules. These changes, backed by Republican lawmakers, have expanded work requirements and narrowed exemptions, leading to a significant drop in the number of households receiving food stamps. Many individuals, like Helen Swire Comer, have seen their benefits drastically reduced, forcing them to rely on food banks and other charities. The state has also reduced funding for food banks, exacerbating the situation as inflation continues to rise. 
