Food Helpers, CNX Resources Join Forces to Address Food Insecurity in Washington County and Beyond
November 29, 2023
By George Omiros, President and Chief Executive Officer, Food Helpers
Currently there are over 1,500 children living with food insecurity in Washington County. Between COVID-19 related food subsidies ending, the dramatic increase in food-related costs, and food scarcity in rural areas, food insecurity is worse now than it was three years ago; and it’s projected to grow. At Food Helpers, we also know that nearly 500 kids in Washington County fall through the cracks each year, living in households that don’t qualify for government assistance but also don’t earn enough to keep up with the cost of food. We are dedicated to offering aid and resources to this forgotten group.
To begin addressing this issue, Food Helpers launched the 471 Kids Challenge last year, with the goal of raising $471,000 by December 1, 2022 to support food and educational programs that could make impactful progress for these children. CNX Foundation immediately rose to this challenge, donating $100,000 initially and $135,000 at the conclusion of the campaign. Food insecurity here in Washington County and throughout Appalachia is a concern our organizations share – understanding how to address it on both a micro and a macro level is another.
Another shared area both our organizations seek to address is stepping in where funding gaps exist. We’ve seen millions and, at times, billions of dollars poured into other states, but here in Western Pennsylvania – where Appalachia truly begins – we haven’t seen that kind of impact from Washington, D.C. Through its Appalachia First vision, CNX is making a tangible, impactful, local difference. This vision embraces innovation and harnesses the talent, resources, and opportunities of Appalachia to transform our region, while also placing the communities, families, and neighborhoods of Appalachia at its center.
Natural gas has created significant economic opportunities for our region, and supporting individuals, families, and businesses so they can take advantage of this new economy will help break the cycles that lead to food insecurity. We applaud CNX Resources and CNX Foundation for filling in funding gaps and taking steps to address this critical, urgent issue in our region.
Food Helpers is a tenant of The HQ at CNX, a space for nonprofits, underrepresented businesses and women-owned businesses to work while collaborating with similarly-minded organizations.
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