WellnessWorks is an innovative program developed by the CCWVa Central Region and conducted in conjunction with our 10 on-site food pantries.
The program’s goal is to promote healthier life-styles among families and individuals requesting food. Several components accomplish this goal, including the provision of special nutritional food items, written information on specific health conditions and general wellness information. We also work with a number of community partners to sponsor special projects, like health fairs and various health screenings.
Our experience in coordinating food pantries prompted our staff to reconsider the critical role food pantries and feeding programs play in public health, especially as they relate to at-risk families. A food pantry must be a primary conduit of, not only specific foods and information for those with chronic conditions, but also general health and wellness information. We know that most of those requesting the pantry services have a limited awareness of the role diet and nutrition play in maintaining or improving their health status and their quality of life. They often encounter challenges in accessing medical care and health/wellness information. Literacy issues and lack of knowledge of the right questions of health providers can be barriers to valuable information and awareness.
Several national studies identify West Virginia as one of the nation’s most unhealthy populations. Obesity, diabetes, tobacco use and heart disease are too common in our state.
Our program activities include:
Direct Services:
Advocacy:
Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph, & Tucker Counties
224 South Queen Street Martinsburg WV 25401
Barbour, Brooke, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Ritchie, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, & Wetzel Counties
2000 Main Street Suite #200 Wheeling WV 26003
Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, & Wyoming Counties
203 South 7th Street P O Box 386 Princeton WV 24740
Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, Roane, Wayne, Wirt, & Wood Counties
1024 Quarrier Street Charleston WV 25301