WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition to increase the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables by incentivizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient families.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our consumers and producers, this additional support from USDA will bolster our nation’s supply chain when we need it the most. This funding will particularly help families gain access to healthy food options and strengthen connections within our communities. The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition does a fantastic job in cultivating the local food and agriculture system in West Virginia, and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this investment within our state,” said Senator Capito.

“Across West Virginia, families are struggling due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. SNAP supports West Virginia families going through a hard time and their efforts are greatly appreciated. This funding will help families make ends meet and make nutritious choices by incentivizing families to buy fruits and vegetables with EBT/SNAP funds. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am committed to making sure West Virginians have the resources they need to feed their families,” said Senator Manchin.

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