(Photo provided by Hannah Mersing) Camden Clark Chief Financial Officer Kyle Pierson, left, stands next to United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Executive Director Stacy DeCicco.

PARKERSBURG — The government shutdown has resulted in thousands of residents across the Mid-Ohio Valley being left without SNAP benefits for the month of November. The community is stepping up to help their neighbors in need during this time of funding shortages for federal benefits like SNAP.

Hunger Solutions Mid-Ohio Valley recently announced an up to $100,000 donation to the Southeast Ohio Food Bank. The Washington County Commissioners contributed $20,000 from the General Fund to the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services on Thursday. The money would go towards providing food for needy families or seniors unable to afford food.

West Virginia University Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center announced a partnership with the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley to support residents affected by the lapse in SNAP benefits.

“We know that many families in our region are facing critical challenges right now,” said MarJean Kennedy who is the Vice President of Marketing, Development and Strategic Initiatives at Camden Clark. “At Camden Clark, caring for our community goes beyond the walls of our hospital and clinics. Partnering with the United Way allows us to ensure that our collective efforts reach those who need it most, and it provides our broader community a way to join us in making a difference.”

Donation bins will be placed throughout the Camden Clark main hospital and select clinic locations beginning Nov. 3. Canned and non-perishable foods are requested and should be dropped off in the bins through Nov. 18.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Jimmy Avocados' storefront.

Items that are recommended for donation include rice, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, cereal, nut butters, oats and other canned or non-perishable items.

“We are so fortunate to have a partner like WVU Medicine Camden Clark who truly cares about the wellbeing of our community and recognizes the call to step in and make a difference when the need arises,” said Executive Director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley Stacy DeCicco. “Many members of our community are facing an unthinkably difficult challenge as SNAP benefits are suspended…To have the chance to maximize the impact of a partnership like this and bring immediate relief to a vast need is truly fantastic.”

For more information visit uwamov.com/foodresources or uwamov.com/unitedwayresponse.

Located in Marietta, the Gospel Mission Food Pantry’s owner Candy Waite said the pantry is no longer accepting clothing donations so they can focus solely on providing food for the community.

“We help anybody and everybody that God sends to us and we pray and ask God to supply the food for the community,” said Waite. “We accept anything people will donate.”

Gospel Mission accepts all foods from non-perishable to fresh produce and are currently taking donations.

Drop-offs are accepted from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m Wednesday.; 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Food assistance is available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday; 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Local businesses like Jimmy Avocado’s, Boathouse BBQ, River Town Grill and Jukebox Pizza of Waterford are raising money and providing free meals to anyone in need.

Jimmy Avocado’s Owner Jimmy Carrano started a Pay It Forward initiative earlier this week and it allows customers to pre-purchase a meal at the restaurant that will be given to someone in need. Carrano also announced earlier in the week that kids eat free.

“You’re either compassionate or you’re not and if I need to cut my profits for the next month then that’s just what we’ll have to do,” said Carrano. “We’re not letting anyone go hungry.”

There is a donation jar in the store located on 327 Juliana St., or donations are also accepted on Venmo @jimmyavocados. Since the initiative’s start on Tuesday, the restaurant has raised almost $5,000 with over 100 meals pre-purchased for someone in need.

“I think I unintentionally started something that doesn’t necessarily need to go away, and we’ll run this as long as SNAP remains unfunded,” said Carrano. “Kids will continue to eat free and Paying It Forward will stay even after SNAP is funded again.”

He said on Sundays they’ll offer free community meals to anyone in need. He said in terms of funding, they have the next three Sundays covered and will continue to try and make the event possible.

This Sunday’s free community meal lineup includes soups like creamy potato and classic chicken noodle and more as well as toasted sandwiches like BLTs and grilled cheese.

Carrano said he’s grateful for the traction this initiative has gained and he wanted to thank all of those in the community who are donating and helping in any way they can.

Jukebox Pizza of Waterford created “Our Neighbors Tab” which allows for customers who are unable to purchase food to call and place the order by saying “Our Neighbors Tab.” The order will be of no charge, no questions asked.

A recent post from the company on Facebook asked for the community to donate funds to “Our Neighbors Tab” for those in need to be able to order food. Donations can be made to the company @OurNeighborsTab on Venmo.

The Boathouse BBQ and River Town Grill announced Friday that until SNAP benefits are restored, kids ages 12 and under eat free with a paying adult.