WHEELING, W.Va. – The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) has awarded the first round of grants from its newly established Food Security Fund, distributing $62,850 to 12 nonprofit organizations working to combat hunger and improve access to nutritious food across the Upper Ohio Valley. The primary focus of this round of grants was on improving access to fresh foods such as meat, dairy, and produce. 

Launched earlier this year with an initial commitment of $100,000, the Food Security Fund was created to support local nonprofits ensuring individuals and families have consistent access to adequate, healthy food. The fund provides quick, flexible support for programs such as food pantries, weekend backpack initiatives, and other food access efforts throughout CFOV’s eight-county service area: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, and Belmont and Jefferson counties in Ohio. 

“Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing our region,” says Executive Director of CFOV Susie Nelson. “This first round of Food Security Fund grants represents a collaborative effort to help our neighbors meet their most basic needs. We’re proud to stand alongside these organizations that are working to make a difference every day.” 

2025 Food Security Fund Grant Recipients: 

• 5 Loaves Food Pantry – Nutritious food for all – $4,500 

• AIM Women’s Center – Nourishing Mothers and Babies – $5,000 

• Bellaire Local School District – Weekend Eats – $5,000 

• Catholic Charities West Virginia – Protein-Packed Pantry – $5,000 

• Chester-Newell FISH Foundation – Food Pantry – $5,000 

• Marietta Health Foundation – FARMacy: Healthy Food as Medicine Program – $5,000 

• Marshall County Schools – Weekend Food Bags HELP! – $5,000 

• Ohio County Family Resource Network – Blessing Boxes – $5,000 

• Ohio County Schools – Communities In Schools – Fresh Food Pantry – $5,000 

• Ohio Valley Youth Network – Sycamore Children’s Pantry – $5,000 

• The Daily Bread Center – New Freezer Project – $3,350 

• The Salvation Army – Fresh Produce Project – $5,000 

• The Salvation Army – Food Pantry, Fresh Food Project – $5,000 

Through these grants, CFOV and its partners aim to help bridge the growing “assistance gap” for families who earn too much to qualify for federal nutrition programs but still struggle to afford adequate, nutritious food. 

To expand the fund’s impact, CFOV has designated all of its 2025–2026 West Virginia Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) tax credits to benefit the Food Security Fund. Individuals and businesses who make a gift of $500 or more to the Food Security Fund may receive up to a 50% state tax credit, depending on availability. Tax credits are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How to Give: 

• Online: www.cfov.org/give (select Food Security Fund) 

• By Mail: Send checks payable to CFOV (memo: Food Security Fund) to 1226 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 

• Other Giving Options: Qualified charitable distributions from an IRA, stock gifts, or other complex assets 

Questions about giving or NIP credits can be directed to Liz Paulhus at liz@cfov.org or 304-905-6084. 

The next Food Security Grant cycle will open in February.