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ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThis challenge is about showing what leadership truly looks like in West Virginia,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Retired Maj. Gen. Jim Hoyer said in the release. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œEvery child, every veteran family, every single West Virginian deserves food on their table. Leadership comes in many forms. Every West Virginian can be a community leader who steps up to take action for their neighbors.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank, the two largest hunger-relief organizations in the state, report that hundreds of thousands of West Virginians face food insecurity, including one in five children and one in five veteran and military families who do not have consistent access to food, the release states. Food needs have continued to grow as families have found it increasingly difficult to make ends meet in a challenging economy.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWhether youÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re a county commissioner, a small business owner, or a student leader ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” or you donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t have a traditional leadership title, but you care for your neighbors like we West Virginians do, everyone has the power to make a meaningful impact,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Mountaineer Food Bank CEO Chad Morrison said in the release. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe Community Leadership Challenge is a chance to lead by example from anywhere you are.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Facing Hunger Foodbank CEO Cyndi Kirkhart explained that ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œhunger is a statewide issue that requires a whole-of-community response. WeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re proud to partner on this initiative that brings visibility, energy, and resources where theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re needed most.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Participants in the West Virginia Community Leadership Challenge are encouraged to:

• Start or join a local food or fund drive
• Coordinate volunteer days at the either of the two food banks or at a local food pantry
• Use their social and community platforms to advocate for hunger relief
• Encourage local organizations to participate and expand the impact
• Post on social media using the hashtag #WVCommunityLeadership

ParticipantsÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ posts, progress and highlights from the challenge will be shared on HoyerÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s and the food banksÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ social media channels to celebrate community achievements and spotlight innovative efforts across the state. Those who participate in the challenge and post about it on social media will be entered into a chance to appear as a guest on the radio and online streaming segment ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAt The Leadership Table with Retired Major General Jim HoyerÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� on the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAppalachia Matters Radio Show,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� which airs in multiple markets across the state on Sundays and streams online afterward on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (@RMGHoyer).

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAs I said to the General on his radio show and podcast, this work is vital because not only does it feed bellies, but it feeds hearts. We do that by offering people connection and hope,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Kirkhart said in the release. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAnd if there is something I can achieve in my time on this earth, let it be contributing to hope.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Those interested in learning more about the Mountaineer Food Bank Veterans Table Feeding Program or Facing Hunger Foodbank, donating or volunteering can visit and .