All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVU physicians lead fundraising effort to support Mountaineer Food Bank

Doctors at WVU Medicine are spearheading an effort to bring more fresh and frozen food into people's diets. (WVU Photo)

More and more West Virginians, financially burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic, are turning to food banks to put meals on their tables – and one team of West Virginia University physicians is pledging to provide more fresh and frozen food for those in need.

Through a dedicated School of Medicine outreach program – HOPE – the team is working to raise $90,000 for a refrigerated trailer for West Virginians via Mountaineer Food Bank.

HOPE – which stands for healthcare, opportunity, people, and education – serves to identify community-based needs and improve access to healthcare throughout the state, as well as working to enhance West Virginia’s economic status.

“Our land-grant mission is to help the residents of West Virginia and we take that mission very seriously,” Dr. Clay Marsh, vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, said. Marsh charged his assistant deans for outreach with identifying ways to help West Virginians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the economic impact, food banks in West Virginia and beyond have seen a significant rise in demand in recent months.

Longtime Mountaineer Food Bank supporter Dr. Larry Rhodes, executive director of rural programs for the Health Sciences Center and professor for the School of Medicine’s Division of Pediatric Cardiology, suggested partnering with the organization, West Virginia’s largest emergency food provider. Dr. Joe Prudhomme, assistant dean for outreach and associate professor for the School of Medicine, devised the fundraising drive for a refrigerated trailer.

“Everybody has plenty of dry storage, but refrigeration capacity is the limiting factor,” Prudhomme said.

Raising money for a refrigerated trailer that can be used to distribute fresh and frozen foods across the state seemed like a timely project they could reasonably tackle, Prudhomme said. He’s encouraging faculty, students and staff to contribute and hopes to eventually get participants across campus involved with food distribution.

Centrally located in Braxton County, MFB distributes over 16.7 million pounds of food annually to more than 450 feeding programs in 48 of the state’s 55 counties.

Nearly $25,000 has been raised or pledged to date. That total includes pledges of $10,000 from the HOPE program and $10,000 from the four physicians behind the effort. In addition to Rhodes and Prudhomme, Dr. John Brick, associate dean of rural outreach and J.F. Brick Endowed Chair of Neurology for the School of Medicine, and Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, assistant dean for outreach and professor for the School of Medicine, are involved.

Donations to the food bank can be made online at a dedicated crowdfunding page. General donations can be made to the Health Outreach Fund at give.wvu.edu/medicine to support the HOPE program.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.