How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in West Virginia

13 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

13 Resources

1. Mountaineer Food Bank — Free

The largest food bank in West Virginia, distributing food through a network of partner pantries and programs in 48 counties. Fathers in need can find their nearest partner pantry by calling or visiting the website. Bring photo ID and any proof of address to receive assistance; most partner pantries do not require income documentation. Based in Gassaway and open Monday through Friday for partner-agency logistics and public information.

304-364-5518 · 484 Enterprise Dr, Gassaway, WV 26624 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

2. Facing Hunger Foodbank — Free

Regional food bank serving the Huntington Tri-State area with a network of partner pantries, mobile distributions, and child-feeding programs. Fathers can find a nearby pantry by calling or visiting the website. Bring photo ID and any proof of address; most sites do not require proof of income. Located on 7th Avenue in Huntington and open Monday through Friday for logistics and community outreach with partner sites serving clients at varied hours.

304-523-6029 · 1327 7th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

3. Feeding America – WV Partners — Free

National network of food banks with multiple West Virginia partners, including Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank. Fathers can use the online locator or toll-free number to find emergency food assistance in any WV county. Bring photo ID and any proof of address; eligibility requirements vary by partner site. Hours and operating days vary by location. Supports pantries, mobile distributions, and backpack programs for kids.

800-771-2303 · Varies by location · Visit Website

4. WIC Program – WV — Free

Federal nutrition program providing healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. Fathers can apply on behalf of their children at local WIC clinics statewide. Bring photo ID, proof of address, proof of income, and birth records for each child. Central office at the Capitol Complex in Charleston; clinics in all 55 counties with Monday through Friday hours.

304-558-0030 · 350 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Manna Meal – Charleston — Free

Free daily meal program at St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, serving hot lunches to anyone in need without questions or paperwork. Fathers experiencing food insecurity can walk in during the midday serving window seven days a week. Located on Quarrier Street near Charleston's business district. Donations and volunteers welcome; no ID required to receive a meal at the daily soup-kitchen line.

304-345-7626 · 1105 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301 · Daily 11am-12pm · Visit Website

6. Meals on Wheels – WV — Free

Home-delivered meal program for seniors and homebound individuals across West Virginia, operated through local providers under the national Meals on Wheels network. Fathers caring for an elderly parent or disabled family member can request service by calling the national locator line or visiting the website. Eligibility and fees vary by local provider; most deliver Monday through Friday and provide a wellness check with each meal.

888-998-6325 · Mon-Fri · Visit Website

7. Salvation Army – Huntington Food Pantry — Free

Emergency food pantry operated by The Salvation Army in Huntington, providing groceries and related basic-needs assistance to low-income families. Fathers can visit during open hours; bring photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security numbers for household members. Located on Adams Avenue. Serves Cabell and Wayne County residents and coordinates with other Tri-State programs. Open Monday through Friday daytime hours for intake.

304-525-2093 · 419 Adams Ave, Huntington, WV 25704 · Mon-Fri 9am-3pm · Visit Website

8. Roark Sullivan Lifeway Center – Charleston — Free

Soup kitchen and food assistance program for Charleston residents, providing hot meals and community support for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Fathers in need can walk in during the weekday midday serving window. Located on Tennessee Avenue in Charleston. No ID required to receive a meal. Also provides referrals to housing and recovery resources in the Kanawha Valley. Monday through Friday.

304-344-3127 · 609 Tennessee Ave, Charleston, WV 25302 · Mon-Fri 11am-12:30pm

9. Morgantown Community Kitchen — Free

Free meal program serving Morgantown-area residents experiencing food insecurity, with a weekday lunch service open to anyone in need. Fathers can walk in during the midday serving window; no ID or paperwork is required to receive a meal. Located on Spruce Street in downtown Morgantown. Also accepts donations and volunteers and connects diners to other Monongalia County resources for housing, health, and family support.

304-296-1404 · 285 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV 26505 · Mon-Fri 11:30am-12:30pm

10. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation – Food Programs — Free

Community foundation supporting emergency food resources and related basic-needs programming in the Mid-Ohio Valley around Parkersburg and Wood County. Fathers in need can contact the foundation for referrals to funded pantries and meal programs. Located in Parkersburg; open Monday through Friday business hours. Staff can also direct callers to health, housing, and education resources funded through foundation grants.

304-428-4438 · Parkersburg, WV 26101 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. USDA Summer Food Service – WV — Free

Federal summer meals program providing free breakfast and lunch to children age 18 and under at approved sites across West Virginia when school is out. No application is required; any child can walk up and eat. Fathers can find nearby sites by calling the locator line or visiting the state education site during summer months. Administered by the WV Department of Education with sites in all 55 counties.

866-348-6479 · Summer months · Visit Website

12. Community Action – Food Assistance — Free

Emergency food assistance delivered through West Virginia's network of community action agencies, each serving a defined county or region. Fathers in need can call the Charleston contact number for a referral to the nearest agency. Bring photo ID, proof of address, and income documentation to intake. Programs often include food boxes, commodity foods, and referrals to pantries. Monday through Friday business hours statewide.

304-347-2277 · Charleston, WV 25301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Martinsburg Rescue Mission — Free

Emergency food pantry and free meal service for the Eastern Panhandle, operating out of Martinsburg and serving Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. Fathers experiencing food insecurity can visit during open serving hours; pantry distributions may require photo ID and proof of address. Located on West King Street in downtown Martinsburg. Meals are open to the public at posted times Monday through Saturday.

304-263-1569 · 518 W King St, Martinsburg, WV 25401 · Mon-Sat varies

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.