Over the last month, Starting Point’s Mealtime Kitchen in Berkeley Springs served roughly double the number of dinners they typically serve each week as local demand for food rose. The kitchen served up to 200 meals each day they were open. Normally, the kitchen serves 100 to 110 meals each day, said Executive Director Audrey Morris. The Mealtime Kitchen is located at the Senior Center off Sandmine Road and serves hot take-out meals on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Mealtime Kitchen and Backpack Programs each received additional funding from the State of West Virginia in recent weeks as the governor dispersed money to food banks and feeding programs during the federal government shutdown and pause of SNAP food stamp benefits.
Another Morgan County food source, Morgan County Emergency Assistance Team (MCEAT), also saw the number of families served during their weekly food pantry rise in October. The food pantry is located behind St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Berkeley Springs.
Board member Bill Locke said MCEAT is limiting families to food assistance to just once per month as supplies tighten. The Mountain Food Bank received extra funding from the State of West Virginia and passed some of those extra resources to MCEAT.
“That has given us a boost but we deal in more than food and winter is coming. Fuel products and electricity don’t come cheap,” said Locke.
The group also assists with emergency rent and utility bills to prevent shut-offs and help with other emergency costs like transportation for medical visits.
MCEAT receives donations of nonperishable food, but can leverage cash donations better to serve needy families.
Demand for food and utility assistance typically rises during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
