Ohio County Mobile Food Pantry Expands Food Distribution
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WHEELING -- The Ohio County Family Resource Network, in partnership with Mountaineer Food Bank, will host its final Mobile Food Pantry distribution of 2026 from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Parking Lot C.
In response to increasing demand for food assistance throughout the community, an increased quantity of food will be available for this distribution in order to serve more people.
At the most recent Mobile Food Pantry event on Sept. 29, a total of 230 households representing 480 individuals received food assistance. The growing number of families seeking support reflects the continued challenges many households face in meeting basic needs as food prices and other living expenses strain household budgets.
"We’re seeing firsthand how many families are struggling to keep food on the table, and we know that need isn’t going away," said Claudia Raymer McKay, executive director of the Ohio County Family Resource Network. "With the holidays approaching, we’re especially grateful to Mountaineer Food Bank for working with us to increase the amount of food available for this distribution. We want to reach as many households as possible and help ease some of the financial pressure families are experiencing."
The distribution is open to West Virginia residents. No ID is required, but participants must be able to provide a West Virginia address.
Food boxes will be loaded starting promptly at 10 a.m., and distribution will continue until 11:30 a.m. or while supplies last. To keep the line moving safely, families are asked to wait until 8:30 a.m. to arrive. Any vehicles arriving earlier will be asked to circle back once the lanes officially open.
Volunteers will direct traffic, complete a short registration with each household and load boxes directly into vehicles. Boxes include a combination of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable groceries.
Households are limited to one box per vehicle, except when two adults from separate households are present, in which case a second box may be provided. Vehicles carrying more than two households will need to go through the line a second time. Walk-up participants are welcome and will be directed to a separate pickup area.
Wheeling Health Right will once again be on site offering flu shots to anyone interested.
A list of the specific food items expected to be available will be posted on the Ohio County Family Resource Network Facebook page closer to the event date.
Families who cannot make it to the distribution can also visit one of the 24-hour Blessings Boxes located throughout Ohio County, which are stocked with nonperishable food.
Current Food Pantry Calendars, including locations, hours and access details, are posted at www.ocfrn.com, and the full Mountaineer Food Bank distribution schedule is available at www.mountaineerfoodbank.org.
Questions can be directed to the Ohio County Family Resource Network at 304-232-5600 or info@ocfrn.com.