BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Facing Hunger Foodbank will use $1.1 million in federal funding for a warehouse distribution center in Mingo County.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice announced the Congressional Direct Spending award in February.

The project centers on repurposing previously vacant property into a regional hub for sustainable food production and workforce development, where program participants will receive hands-on training and gain experience.

Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of the Huntington-based Facing Hunger Foodbank, said the application for federal funding originated two years ago with the USDA. The plan at that time was to renovate the former B&L Warehouse at Miller’s Creek. With the Tug River flood in February 2025 that plan fell through as the building sustained water damage and no longer qualified for federal funding.

“It was a definite disappointment when our plans came to a screeching halt, and we found ourselves regrouping and reassessing the situation,” Kirkhart said from her Huntington office. “Our first priority was to secure funding and nothing about that part of it changed. It’s easier to find a building or property when you have money in place than it is to find a place and have no money.”

Kirkhart was excited about returning to Mingo County to look at prospective locations. She plans to pursue all possibilities before making a decision.

“Whether it’s a great property that we can construct a warehouse on or a building that’s already in place that will meet our needs, we’re confident that we will find just the right location for our regional hub,” she said. “Once complete and in operation, I believe we can reach our goal of adding 15 or so job opportunities for the county, and that’s a plus.”

Kirkhart said the organization hopes to set up within 12 months of choosing a location.

Facing Hunger Foodbank serves 12 West Virginia counties, four counties in northeastern Kentucky, and Lawrence County, Ohio.